Agent Orange and Diabetes

[Buckeye]

My massage therapist told me her father has diabetes and it is attributed to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. I also ran into an article about it somewhere on the web. DH was quite heavily exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam so I am a bit concerned.

Anyone out there know more about this connection or experiencing it?

[rs0460a]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckeye Anyone out there know more about this connection or experiencing it?

Vietnam Veterans Benefit From Agent Orange Rules (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

Yes - I am the "receipient" of this "situation"...

- Ron

[Buckeye]

Is the government providing you healthcare and/or medication and/or disability benefits? DH was only in a couple of years so he receives no military retirement. He has other injuries which should have qualified for disability payments but I don't think the grunts had any idea what they should have qualified for so they never received anything.

[rs0460a]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckeye Is the government providing you healthcare and/or medication and/or disability benefits?

I receive all, through the VA (meds/disability). In my case, I contacted the local VA office for direction. Later, I learned that going through the DAV was better, but I joined the DAV only after starting to receive benefits.

The important thing is that (as your situation) I was only in the military for 4 years. However, based upon the VA "rating system", I get "benefits" that most folks (without a service connected disability) would not get, based upon the current "rating system" (class 1 - 8 ) that is established.

I would suggest that you start your inquiry here:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

or:

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Services - Disability Evaluation System Guide

- Ron

[Buckeye]

Thanks, rs0460a. The DAV was my next stop for DH.

The DAV are awesome folks who assisted me when I separated after 10 years. They were at the group separation briefings (the military was basically RIF'ing when I got out) and strongly encouraged everyone to bring their medical records for a review but I don't think many folks took them up on it. It would have been a huge mistake to not take them up on their offer. I hope the guys and gals separating today are using their services.