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-connected relationship exists, based on the eligibility criteria below, that diabetes mellitus (Type II), or adult-onset diabetes, is associated with exposure to Agent Orange.
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:
For more information on eligibility, please visit read Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange.
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:
Under a federal court decision, Vietnam Veterans are eligible for retroactive awards of benefits for their diabetes if you applied for service-connection for diabetes before the VA diabetes regulation went into effect on May 8, 2001. If you were previously denied service-connection for diabetes mellitus (Type II), you should reapply by contacting your local VA office.
If your diabetic condition has increased in severity since you were last rated by VA, you should contact your local VA office. You can file a claim for a reevaluation and the local VA office can provide assistance with that claim.
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.
For more information on how to apply and for tips on making sure your claim is ready to be processed by VA, visit our How to Apply page.
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 do our best to respond within a reasonable amount of time (usually 3 to 10 workdays).