Getting Veterans (VA) Disability for Diabetes
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.
Receiving a grant of VA disability benefits can be challenging. Even if you have a legitimate claim, a simple error in your application, or the omission of an important piece of evidence, can result in a denial. The legal team at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD can help you appeal your claim. Call today for a free consultation: 800-544-9144.
What Does Service Connection Mean?
You can only recover VA disability compensation benefits for a service-connected medical condition. Service connection means there is a direct link between your type 2 diabetes and an event, injury, or illness you suffered during your military service.
How Do I Prove Service Connection for My Type 2 Diabetes?
The VA presumes service connection for type 2 diabetes if you served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975. This is because service members who served in this area during this time period were exposed to Agent Orange, an herbicide commonly used to defoliate land in Vietnam.
If there is no presumed service connection, we must examine your medical and service records to establish a link between your type 2 diabetes and military service.
First, we must show the VA that you have a current diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, and that this diagnosis occurred during or after your military service. If your medical records show any evidence of type 2 diabetes or prediabetes before your military service started, it will make the process of getting VA benefits for the condition much more difficult.
Next, we must demonstrate a service connection to your type 2 diabetes. In other words, we must tie it to a specific event in your military service using convincing evidence.
To establish service connection, we must provide the VA with a linking medical opinion. This is a statement in which your treating physician offers a professional opinion that your current condition is due to the event in question.
How Much Can I Recover Monthly for My Type 2 Diabetes?
Monthly disability compensation is determined by your combined rating. The more severe your condition, and the more it limits your ability to work and carry out daily living activities, the higher benefit amount you can receive. When the VA approves your application, it rates your condition on a scale of 0 to 100 percent in increments of 10 percent. 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. You can also receive ratings of 20, 40, or 60 percent. Below are the potential monthly benefit amounts for diabetes.
As of December 1st, 2023 the VA disability rate benefit amounts are as follows:
- 10 percent disability rating: $171.23 per month
- 20 percent disability rating: $338.49 per month
- 40 percent disability rating: $755.28 per month
- 60 percent disability rating: $1,361.88 per month
- 100 percent disability rating: $3,737.85 per month
Our legal team fights for the highest possible rating based on your medical record. We make sure the evidence we submit is compelling and shows the full extent of your condition.
The Legal Team at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick Wants to Help You Get the VA Disability Benefits You Deserve for Your Type 2 Diabetes
Proving your diabetes mellitus type 2 was a direct result of your military service can be difficult. The smallest mistake can lead to a denial. We can help you appeal the VA’s decision and get you the benefits you need. We will take the burden off your shoulders. As a client of CCK, we can obtain your medical and service records and any other evidence we might need to prove service connection.
The veterans advocates at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD have dedicated over 25 years to helping veterans get the disability benefits they deserve after serving their country. Our experience handling all types of disability claims has given us the knowledge necessary to build a strong appeal for your benefits.
Ready to get started? Call now for a free consultation: 800-544-9144.
