| Diabetes mellitus (Type II, adult onset)
will be added as a presumptive condition for in-country Vietnam
veterans. Acting Secretary Herschel Gober will announce this
action on November 9, 2000. In-country service in Vietnam presumes
exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange if the veteran meets the criteria
outlined in 38 CFR 3.313 regarding dates of service and the condition
being claimed is one listed in section 3.307 (6)iii. VA is in the
process of writing the regulations which will govern the adjudication of
claims for diabetes as a presumptive condition and add diabetes to the
aforementioned section of 38 CFR.
What veterans are affected by this added
presumptive condition?
Honorably discharged veterans who served in the
Republic of Vietnam during the period January 9, 1962 through May 7,
1975 and have "adult onset diabetes mellitus". You must have
physically served or visited in the Republic of Vietnam, including
service in the waters offshore if the conditions of service involved
duty or visitation in Vietnam. This means the ship must have come
to port in the RPV and you disembarked. This does not include
veteran's who served in the Republic of Vietnam during the period
February 28, 1961 to January 9, 1962.
What does presumptive condition mean?
Normally, the claimant must show proof of relationship
between service and the condition being claimed. Under presumption
of service connection. VA presumes the relationship, if the
condition was diagnosed within the time period specified in 38 CFR,
3.307(6)ii and the condition is recognized by 3.309(e).
Can I be treated for my diabetes without applying
for service connection?
Yes, You can be treated at any VA Medical
Center. You will however, need to show evidence of military
service in Vietnam. Usually, a DD Form 214 will serve as proof of
service in the Republic of Vietnam.
How can I apply?
We would encourage any veteran with in-country Vietnam
service and diagnosed diabetes mellitus to contact his or her local VA
office for information and assistance on applying for benefits.
Where can I get more information about the
relationship between diabetes mellitus and possible exposure to Agent
Orange?
Additional information can be found at the Veterans
Health Administration web site which is at www.va.gov
and the National Academy of Sciences Study on Herbicide/Dioxin Exposure
and Type 2 Diabetes can be found at the NAS web site at www.nap.edu/html/diabetes.
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