Currently, VA offers medical care including diet counseling, weight loss programs, and blood glucose monitoring for the 1.5 million Veterans enrolled in VA health care who have Type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance in people with Type 2 diabetes — a hormone that helps move sugar into cells — causes high blood glucose levels.
Full Answer
How does the VA rate type 2 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.
What are the treatment options for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM)?
This includes weight loss, increasing physical activity, following a Mediterranean diet, and stress reduction. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus VA Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation Page 6 of
How much does it cost the VA to treat diabetics?
Diabetes is expensive for the VA. Inpatient and outpatient costs of vets with diabetes eats up 4% of the VA’s overall healthcare budget and 28% of its pharmacy budget. The VA shells out well over one-and-a-half billion (!) dollars each year to care for vets with diabetes.
Can a veteran with Type 2 diabetes receive disability benefits?
Due to the chronic nature of type 2 diabetes, complications can develop that may warrant separate disability ratings for secondary conditions. Secondary conditions stemming from type 2 diabetes must be “at least as likely as not” caused or aggravated by diabetes in order for a veteran to be compensated for them.
Is type 2 diabetes considered a VA disability?
The higher your VA disability rating is, the higher your monthly benefit amount. The VA rates Type 2 diabetes on this same scale. It will rate your diabetes as 10 percent disabling if you can manage it with diet alone. You will receive a 100 percent disability rating if you require insulin more than once a day.
How much does the VA pay for 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.
What is the average VA disability rating for diabetes?
10% Rating for Diabetes The VA considers several factors regarding a veteran's diabetes service-connected disability claim before giving a VA diabetes rating. First and foremost, the veteran's blood sugar control is considered.
Can diabetes be a secondary VA claim?
Diabetes can cause a wide range of other medical issues. Veterans who are service-connected for diabetes and develop a secondary condition could qualify for VA disability benefits for the secondary disability.
What a1c does VA consider 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 benefits are diabetics entitled to?
Type 2 diabetes can cause severe complications that may make a person eligible for disability benefits. There are two types of benefits: SSDI, which requires a qualifying length of time in work, and SSI, which can support people with disabilities at any age and time in their work career.
Can I get my insulin from the VA?
Most health plans in the U.S. now cover insulin pumps for type 2s who require both basal and fast-acting insulin, but so far, the VA will only cover pumps for those few VA patients who develop type 1 diabetes as adults during or after their service.
What is a good score for diabetes?
Random Blood Sugar TestResult*A1C TestGlucose Tolerance TestDiabetes6.5% or above200 mg/dL or abovePrediabetes5.7 – 6.4%140 – 199 mg/dLNormalBelow 5.7%140 mg/dL or below
Why do so many veterans have diabetes?
Diabetes is more prevalent among US veterans than among the general population (3,5). This high prevalence is primarily attributable to the high prevalence of obesity among this population (5). Obesity and diabetes are genetically linked (6,7).
Does VA consider sleep apnea secondary to diabetes?
If you already have Type 2 Diabetes that is service-connected through the VA, you can file a claim for sleep apnea as secondary to diabetes. The amount of medical literature linking diabetes and OSA is growing, along with awareness of this problem.
What are the most common VA disability claims?
According to VA's 2020 Annual Benefits Report, the following are the top 20 VA disability claims.Tinnitus VA Claims. ... Hearing Loss VA Claims. ... Limitation of Flexion of the Knee VA Disability Claims. ... Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) VA Claims. ... Lumbosacral and Cervical Strain VA Claims. ... VA Disability Claims for Scars.More items...•
What are the best treatments for diabetic neuropathy?
The following interventions can be considered in patients with diabetic neuropathy: 1 Acupuncture. [42] [43] A number of masked studies support the use of acupuncture. In one study, the benefits of acupuncture lasted for up to six months and reduced the use of other analgesics. 2 Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). [44] This free radical scavenger antioxidant has been shown to be efficacious in the management of painful neuropathies when administered parenterally. It can also be given orally. Oral dose is 300 mg daily. 3 Magnet Therapy. [45] Static magnetic sole inserts have been found to reduce neuropathic pain when administered daily over three to four months. 4 Capsaicin. [46] This alkaloid, which is found in red pepper, depletes tissue of substance P and reduces chemically induced pain. Capsaicin is applied topically. 5 Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC). [47] Studies have shown ALC supplementation reduces pain and improves nerve fiber regeneration and vibration perception. Dose is 500-1000 mg three times daily.
Is holistic therapy for diabetics?
Pharmacologic management is important but should not be the only treatment option presented to patients. Holistic therapy involves all aspects of a patients lifestyle as well as their goals to make positive health changes.
Does yoga help with T2DM?
Yoga. Two systematic reviews concluded that yoga likely benefits patients with T2DM by lowering blood sugars, LDL, triglycerides, body weight, waist to hip ratio, and HbA1c, as well as raising HDL. [21] [22] A 2017 review of 12 randomized controlled trials totaling 864 patients re-demonstrated these physiological benefits of yoga practice. [23] A 2016 review also noted that there was some limited evidence suggesting other health benefits of yoga practice in people with T2DM, including lower oxidative stress and blood pressure, as well enhanced pulmonary and autonomic function; it also demonstrated improved mood, sleep, and quality of life, as well as reduced medication use. [24] A 2017 review and meta-analysis of 23 studies with 2,473 participants also showed that yoga improved glycemic control. [25] Interestingly, a 2018 review of studies comparing yoga with physical exercise (the control group), showed that yoga practice was associated with a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, post-prandial blood glucose, A1c, and BMI compared to the control group. [26] Despite the greater number of studies and reviews being published, there is still significant heterogeneity across the research, and further study is still needed.Exercise is a fundamental component of diabetes care that helps weight reduction and glucose uptake. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity weekly, over at least 3 days a week, with no more than 2 consecutive days without activity. Resistance training provides additional benefit and is recommended at least twice weekly for the 5 major muscle groups. [20]
Is T2DM a reversible disease?
Patients need to know that T2DM is a preventableand reversibledisease in most cases. It is estimated that 90% of diabetes is preventable through changes in diet and exercise, elimination of smoking, and moderation of alcohol intake. [1]
Does diabetes increase risk of cardiovascular disease?
It is widely agreed that diabetes increases a patients risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Patients should be counseled that the lifestyle interventions most helpful for management of diabetes will also reduce their morbidity and mortality from CVD. This includes weight loss, increasing physical activity, following a Mediterranean diet, and stress reduction.
Does acupuncture help with diabetes?
Acupuncture. Acupuncture to improve glycemic control in diabetes and pre-diabetic states has been reported in the literature for over half a century, but the evidence is limited and of poor quality. [39] [40] A 2019 review and meta-analysis of 21 studies with a total of 1,943 participants suggested that acupuncture could be effectively used as a supplementary treatment in managing T2DM, especially in people with obesity and metabolic disorders. At this point in time, the quality of the evidence is still limited, though it does suggest there may be a reduction in fasting blood glucose, 2-hour blood glucose, and A1c associated with acupuncture plus standard of care treatments. [41] There is some evidence that acupuncture reduces symptoms of diabetic complications (discussed in the next section).
What is Virta online?
The main focus of Virta's online program is controlling diabetes through diet, specifically the ketogenic or "keto" diet.
Does the VA offer diabetes care?
VA also offers diabetes management services including diet counseling, weight loss programs, blood glucose monitoring, and other medical care both through telehealth programs as well as traditional medical means.
What is the third type of diabetes?
The third type of diabetes is gestational diabetes, high blood glucose that develops during pregnancy in a woman who does not have diabetes. Diabetes affects nearly 25 percent of VA's patient population. The disease is also the leading cause of blindness, end-stage renal disease, and amputation for VA patients. top.
What are VA research methods?
VA researchers are studying innovative strategies and technologies, including group visits, telemedicine, peer counseling, and internet-based education and case management, to enhance access to diabetes care and to improve outcomes for patients.
What are the symptoms of diabetes in Vietnam?
Symptoms of diabetes include blurry vision, excessive thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, hunger, and weight loss.
Why does the pancreas not make enough insulin?
In this type of diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal, often because the body does not respond well to insulin. Between 90 and 95 percent of adults with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. More are at risk due to overweight or obesity.
What is A1C in diabetes?
A1c is a measure of average blood glucose during the previous two to three months. It is one of the markers, along with blood pressure and cholesterol control, of good diabetes care. There are three major types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood.
How many patients did the CSP study follow?
For seven and a half years, researchers involved in a VA cooperative study (CSP 465) followed nearly 1,800 patients who had type 2 diabetes. They were interested in examining cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes.
How many people have diabetes?
As a result of high blood sugar levels, damage eventually occurs to blood vessels and organs. More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 84 million more Americans are at risk to develop the disease.
How many veterans have diabetes?
Nearly 25% of veterans in the VA healthcare system have diabetes, compared to about 8.3% of the general public. The vast majority of vets with diabetes are type 2s.
What is the A1C target for the VA?
Rather than adopting fixed A1C targets like other diabetes guidelines in the U,S, historically have, the VA calls for an individualized A1C target between 7 and 9, taking into account the patient’s age, health, and likely lifespan.
How long does Manar wait for his A1C?
He says he occasionally waits 5-6 weeks for an appointment, but “my care has been exemplary.”.
What is the new face of the VA?
The new face of the VA is the community clinic. 1,400 of them, so far. Following a major revamping between 1995 and 2000, the VA changed its focus to “universal primary care.”. It’s paying attention to a wide variety of health conditions, and has been an early adopter of electronic medical records ...
Is Agent Orange covered by vets?
But even for vets not exposed to Agent Orange, diabetes treatment is still a covered benefit as part of overall healthcare. The main difference is that, unlike PWDs whose diabetes may have been caused by service-related exposure to dioxin, non-service related PWDs need to make medicine co-pays.
Is Manar covered by the VA?
Manar’s diabetes care is covered 100% as a service-related disability. Starting in 2001, the VA listed diabetes as a “presumptive” condition for in-country Vietnam vets.
Does the VA cover insulin pumps?
Most health plans in the U.S. now cover insulin pumps for type 2s who require both basal and fast-acting insulin, but so far, the VA will only cover pumps for those few VA patients who develop type 1 diabetes as adults during or after their service.
What are secondary conditions that can emerge when type 2 diabetes progresses or is uncontrolled?
Below are some secondary conditions that can emerge when type 2 diabetes progresses or is uncontrolled: Diabetic Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) Renal (kidney) dysfunction.
How many times a year do you need to be hospitalized for ketoacidosis?
Are hospitalized three or more times per year or require “weekly visits to a diabetic care provider” due to hypoglycemic reactions or episodes of ketoacidosis; Are experiencing progressive weight loss or strength reduction; OR complications that “would be compensable if separately evaluated.”.
How much does sleep apnea increase the risk of diabetes?
For sleep apnea specifically, the risk of developing diabetes increases by 78 percent. Those that have trouble sleeping had a 21 percent increase in terms of a risk of developing diabetes. Therefore, there is a significant connection between the two conditions.
What evidence can a veteran use to support their disability claim?
Arguably the most important form of evidence is medical evidence, whether it is from your VA treating provider or your own private physician.
Why does diabetes cause increased blood sugar?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that causes a person to experience increased blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance or deficiency. The severity of this condition varies on a case-by-case basis. Some people are able to control their type 2 diabetes with a restricted diet, whereas others may find it difficult to control blood sugar ...
Is obesity a disability for VA?
As a general matter, obesity is not actually a disability for VA compensation purposes. In other words, you cannot receive service connection for obesity; however, you can use obesity as an intermediate step to get secondary service connection. This is important when discussing secondary service connection for type 2 diabetes, ...
Can diabetes be service connected?
As a result, you become obese, and as a result of obesity, you develop type 2 diabetes. As long as the knee condition is service-connected, diabetes can be service connected as well.
What type of diabetes do veterans have to have?
From there, veterans must demonstrate two things to VA: A current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type II. Medical evidence showing the relationship between the primary service-connected condition (i.e., diabetes mellitus type II) and the secondary condition. Importantly, the secondary condition must be “at least as likely as not” caused ...
What is diabetes mellitus type 2?
Diabetes Mellitus Type II Explained. Diabetes mellitus type II is a chronic condition that affects the way an individual’s body metabolizes glucose ( i.e., sugar). With type II diabetes, a person’s body either resists the effects of insulin (i.e., a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells) or does not produce enough insulin ...
Can diabetes mellitus be managed?
As evidenced by the above-mentioned rating criteria, diabetes mellitus type II can be managed if the appropriate care is implemented. However, if blood sugar levels are not properly controlled, long-term complications may arise that could qualify a Veteran for secondary service connection based on diabetes.
Can you get VA disability for diabetes?
Veterans who are service-connected for diabetes and develop a secondary condition could qualify for VA disability benefits for the secondary disability.
When did the VA use herbicides?
However, VA recognizes that herbicides were used along the perimeter of certain Royal Thai Air Force Bases in Thailand to increase visibility and prevent guerilla attacks during the following time period: Between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975.
Can a veteran with diabetes mellitus receive presumptive service connection?
Direct Service Connection. Veterans with diabetes mellitus type II who do not qualify for presumptive service connection can still receive disability benefits, but must prove the following: (1) a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type II; (2) an in-service event, injury, or illness; and ...
What is the second criterion for diabetes?
The second criterion lists two complications of diabetes. The first is ketoacidosis. This condition occurs when an individual’s diabetes is out of control. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a buildup of acids in the blood. When blood sugar is too high for too long, the body does not have enough insulin to use glucose for energy, so it starts to burn down fat. T
What type of insulin is used for diabetics?
Here are some of the most common types and brand names that you should know. Rapid-Acting Insulin. Rapid-acting insulin covers insulin needs for meals eaten at the same time as the injection.
What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes Mellitus is a condition that runs rampant among the veteran population. Of those particularly affected is the Vietnam Era community. As these veterans approach the years of wisdom, so too does diabetes creep alongside them. If you are a veteran who is pursuing a compensation claim for type 2 diabetes, or are already receiving compensation ...
What is the function of insulin?
Fundamentally, all insulin types have the same function: to control blood sugar levels. However, different types are designed to provide blood sugar control for varying lengths of time.
Is there a shortage of medical literature on the connection between type 2 diabetes and veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange
There is no shortage of medical literature on the connection between type 2 diabetes and veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam, Korea and Thailand.
Is diabetes a bad thing for the VA?
This means that the VA recognizes that he has been diagnosed with diabetes and that his condition is related to service, but believes that the condition is not severe enough to warrant payment. This is not a bad thing.
Does the VA pay dependents if they have diabetes?
Any combined rating below 30% will not be paid for dependents. This rating criterion means that if the veteran has been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and has been told by his doctor to watch his blood sugar and what he eats, the VA will pay him at a 10% level.
Diabetes Mellitus
- If you developed diabetes mellitus (type II) and were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service in Vietnam, you do not have to prove a connection between the disease and your military service to be eligible to receive VA disability compensation. VA presumes a service …
Eligibility
- Normally, you would have to show proof of a relationship between your military service and the condition being claimed. Under presumption of service connection, however, VA presumes the relationship between exposure to Agent Orange and diabetes mellitus (Type II) if you meet all the following conditions: 1. Served in the Republic of Vietnam during the period January 9, 1962 thro…
Evidence Needed
- Private medical records may be used to verify your diabetes. If the records are sufficient, VA can make a determination and grant disability compensation benefits based on those records. If not, a VA examination will be required. Your medical records should: 1. Comment on the date of onset and the diagnostic test used to affirmatively diagnose this condition. 2. Comment on the treatm…
Service-Connected Death Benefits
- If you believe your spouse's death was caused by diabetes mellitus, and he/she was an in-country Vietnam Veteran, you may be eligible for Dependents and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or Parents' DIC.
How to Apply
- Apply online using eBenefits, OR
- Work with an accredited representative or agent, OR
- Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your regional office on our Facility Locatorpage.
- Vietnam Veterans with chronic b-cell leukemias, Parkinson's disease, or ischemic heart disea…
- Apply online using eBenefits, OR
- Work with an accredited representative or agent, OR
- Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your regional office on our Facility Locatorpage.
- Vietnam Veterans with chronic b-cell leukemias, Parkinson's disease, or ischemic heart disease may apply for disability compensation for these diseases using VA's Fast Track Claims Processing System.
More Information
- Check VA's Guide to Agent Orange Claims to learn more about how to establish eligibility to disability compensation and how much VA pays. You can also call the Agent Orange Help Line at 1-800-749-8387 or send an e-mail to GW/[email protected]. You must provide your name, e-mail address, telephone and/or fax number, and VA file number/Social Security Number. We will …