Is diabetes a military disability?

If you're a veteran, your diabetes may qualify for disability benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Does diabetes qualify for military disability?

If you developed diabetes during or after your military service, you might be eligible for VA disability benefits. To obtain veterans (VA) disability for diabetes mellitus type 2, you must establish a nexus between your diabetes and an in-service injury, illness, or event.

Is type 1 diabetes a VA disability?

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 1 is currently rated 20 percent disabling.

What is the VA disability rating for Type II diabetes?

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II is rated as 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7913. A 40 percent rating is warranted where insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities (avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities) is required.

What happens if you develop diabetes in the military?

Diabetes may disqualify a person from joining the military, but developing the condition while serving is not grounds for disqualification.

VA Disability Benefits for Diabetes

What percentage of VA disability is diabetes?

VA uses 38 CFR 4.119, Diagnostic Code 7913 for diabetes mellitus type 2. The possible assigned ratings are as follows: 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or a 100% disability rating for diabetes.

What type of diabetes is considered a disability?

Under most laws, diabetes is a protected as a disability. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are protected as disabilities.

How do you prove diabetes is service connected?

You must show a current diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes that occurred during or after your military service, as well as a specific event during your military service that triggered your condition.

How long does it take to get disability for diabetes?

The process isn't quick. It can take 3 to 5 months to get a decision, depending on how long it takes for DDS to get your medical records and other information they need.

What am I entitled to as a type 2 diabetic?

If you take diabetes medicine, you're entitled to free prescriptions for all your medicines. To claim your free prescriptions, you'll need to apply for an exemption certificate. This is known as a PF57 form.

Can diabetes be secondary to PTSD?

Studies have found that conditions such as PTSD, hypertension, and sleep apnea can be risk factors for the development of diabetes.

Why do so many veterans have diabetes?

Many Veterans have the disease, including some who developed it as a result of being exposed to herbicides while serving in Vietnam. Symptoms of diabetes include blurry vision, excessive thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, hunger, and weight loss.

Can you stay in the military with type 1 diabetes?

Those individuals who attempt to enlist will be subject to the diabetes ban if diagnosed with diabetes requiring any form of medication, or who do not take medication but have an A1C above 7%, because they will not meet the standards of retention.

Is type 2 diabetes considered a disability?

Is Diabetes a Disability? Yes. People with diabetes of all types are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act as people with disabilities. This includes access to school, public places, the workplace and some benefits such as Social Security and disability insurance.

What is the VA rating schedule for diabetes?

How Does the VA Rate Type 2 Diabetes? Diabetes mellitus type 2 is rated by the VA under 38 CFR 4.119, Diagnostic Code 7913; under this schedule, Veterans can be assigned a 100%, 60%, 40%, 20% or 10% disability rating. Ratings for diabetes vary among veterans based on the progression or severity of their condition.

Is diabetes secondary to depression a VA disability?

It's possible to apply for VA compensation for depression as a secondary service connection to diabetes if you have a diagnosis of diabetes from your doctor, as well as a diagnosis of depression. You also need to provide medical evidence that shows a connection between your depression and your diabetes.

Can a diabetic have a cheat day?

How often can a people with diabetes have a cheat meal? “Cheating once a week for normalcy is acceptable. However, cheating every other day can become an issue”, Shilpa added.

Can Type 2 diabetics drive?

If you have insulin-treated diabetes, you should test blood glucose before driving. Do not drive if your blood glucose is below 4 mmol/l. You should re-test blood glucose every two hours on a long journey. If you have a hypoglycaemic episode while driving, stop the vehicle as soon as possible.

Does diabetes increase VA disability?

40% Rating for Diabetes

Once a veteran requires regulated daily activity in addition to a restricted diet and an insulin regimen, they may be granted a 40% VA rating. The regulated daily activity helps to prevent drops in blood sugar.

Is sleep apnea secondary to diabetes?

Studies report that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is 71% more prevalent in patients with Type 2 diabetes. A common factor in both conditions is often obesity. While diabetic patients primarily focus on diet and exercise to manage their Type 2 diabetes, sleep quality is often overlooked.

Does VA compensate for erectile dysfunction?

Generally, the VA will grant a 0-percent rating for erectile dysfunction unless you are eligible under the diagnostic codes above. However, service connection for erectile dysfunction, even at 0 percent, makes veterans eligible for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for loss of use of a creative organ.

Does diabetes decrease life expectancy?

At age 50, life expectancy- the number of years a person is expected to live- is 6 years shorter for people with type 2 diabetes than for people without it. People with type 2 diabetes can reduce their risk of complications and live longer by achieving their treatment goals.

What jobs can type 1 diabetics not do?

Notably, there are a couple of jobs that diabetics cannot legally hold due to safety concerns. These include commercial airline pilot and long-distance, commercial truck driver and bus driver positions.

Can you get disability for anxiety?

Anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders, phobias or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are considered disabilities by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and qualifies someone for Social Security disability benefits.

What gets you 70 VA disability?

TDIU for 70% Disabled Veterans

The schedular requirements for TDIU, outlined under 38 CFR § 4.16, are as follows: The veteran has one service-connected disability rated at least 60 percent disabling; or. The veteran has a combined rating of at least 70 percent, with one condition rated at least 40 percent.