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SgtDBrownRet
11-21-08, 10:11 PM
Below is the rating criteria for Diabetes and a form to take to your doctor. If the format is not right, PM me and I can send it in a word document.





Rating criteria and secondary conditions of diabetes

(In-countryVietnam Veterans)
Below are the VA rating criteria for diabetes and some of the secondary conditions. To file a claim for diabetes, submit medical evidence that this condition was caused by either your military service or medications taken for a service connected condition. Vietnam Veteran that served in country need only to submit a diagnosis of the condition. That the attached Physician’s Statement to your doctor for completion.
7913 Diabetes Mellitus Rating
Requiring more than one daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities (avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities) with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring at least three hospitalizations per year or weekly visits to a diabetic care provider, plus either progressive loss of weight and strength or complications that would be compensable if separately evaluated 100

Requiring insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring one or two hospitalizations per year or twice a month visits to a diabetic care provider, plus complications that would not be compensable if separately evaluated 60

Requiring insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities 40

Requiring insulin and restricted diet, or; oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet 20



Manageable by restricted diet only 10



Below are secondary conditions that may be caused by diabetes mellitus. To file a claim for these conditions, submit a statement from your treating physician that the condition was cause or aggravated by your service connected diabetes condition.
Diabetic retinopathy is a disease that causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina of the eye. The retina is a group of cells lining the back of each eye. Light is focused on the retina by the lens and cornea at the front of the eye. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults ages 20 to 74, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that affect the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. Glaucoma can affect one or both eyes. It typically involves gradually increased pressure inside the eye. It usually is painless and has no other signs or symptoms. Any damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible, but diagnosis and treatment can avert further loss of vision.
Heart conditions are among the most common and the most lethal complications associated with diabetes.Diabetes increases the risk of developing CAD in part because high levels of glucose cause blood vessels to thicken and to lose their elasticity. The risk of coronary artery disease that increases as people age occurs earlier in people with diabetes and is more likely to be fatal.
Diabetic nephropathy is the medical term for disease of the kidneys caused by diabetes.It is a slow deterioration of the kidneys, which can impair kidney function and ultimately lead to failure.
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that occurs with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The three most common types of neuropathy are: Peripheral neuropathy.Affects feet, legs, hands and arms; Autonomic neuropathy.Affects heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, digestion, perspiration, bladder and bowel functions; and Focal neuropathy.Affects a single nerve, usually in face, eyes or feet.
Erectile Dysfunction Chronic high levels of blood sugar associated with diabetes mellitus often damage small blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, which can impair nerve impulses and blood flow necessary for erection. About 60% of men with diabetes experience impotence.

For more information go to http://diabetes.healtheentersonline.com (http://diabetes.healtheentersonline.com/)






Physician’s Statement - Diabetes Mellitus
(To be completed by Doctor)



Veteran’s Name: __________________________________________________ __

Claim Number: ________________________________ SS Number: _________________________

Diagnosis:/Evaluation: (Please Check one)


o Requiring more than one daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities (avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities) with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring at least three hospitalizations per year or weekly visits to a diabetic care provider, plus either progressive loss of weight and strength or complications that would be compensable if separately evaluated

o Requiring insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring one or two hospitalizations per year or twice a month visits to a diabetic care provider, plus complications that would not be compensable if separately evaluated

o Requiring insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities

o Requiring insulin and restricted diet, or; oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet



o Manageable by restricted diet only


Complications: (Check all that apply)

o The veteran currently has no complications that are directly due to diabetes mellitus.

The veteran has the following complications that are directly due to diabetes mellitus: (please specify the condition)
o Visual (glaucoma, cataracts, etc.)
o Cardiovascular (hypertension, CAD, etc.)
o Neurological (peripheral neuropathy, etc.)
o Renal (renal failure, renal dysfunction, etc.)
o Erectile Dysfunction
Other: _________________________________



Remarks:









_______________________________ __________________ ____________________________
Physician’s Signature Date ____________________________
____________________________
_______________________________ ____________________________

Physician’s Printed Name Physician’s address & phone #