Courtesy of our classmate Peter Zierden
I want to give a heads up to our Vietnam vet classmates. I have had recent dealings with the VA and learned some things that may not be known to all.
The VA has a list of aliments that they attribute to exposure to agent orange which was used as a defoliant in Vietnam. The only qualification is that an individual proves (e.g. DD214) he set boots on the ground prior to 1975.
What was news to me is that in 2012, the VA added Type 2 diabetes to their list. That is, anyone meeting the above criteria and has, or will develop, type 2 diabetes is assumed to have exposure to agent orange as the cause. This enables the individual to file a claim for disability – which results in substantial benefits including free treatment and monthly disability payments.
VA has system of evaluating claims and determining the “Percent Disability” from 0 to 100% disability. Typically, diabetes is rated at 20% ($276.84 per month). Serious complications can result in a higher rated (and payment level) percent disability. Claims typically take 2-3 months for resolution.
If you are unsure of diabetes status (25% have and don’t know) VA will provide a test. A down and dirty test is to purchase a blood sugar meter with test strips (buy at pharmacy or online under $100). Prick a finger and expose the drop of blood. Do in morning before eating. A reading under 100 is good, 100-130 borderline, over 130 assume diabetic.
An aside. I’m told reported claims for hearing loss, especially with a combat arms MOS, are approved about half the time. I was pleased at recently receiving a 20% disability for hearing loss traceable back to time in Vietnam.
Regards to All,
Peter Zierden