Unfortunately, chronic conditions are a common side effect of military service for Veterans across the U.S. From heart disease to arthritis, Veterans are at an even higher likelihood for various diseases because of the conditions they were living under while serving their country. Some of these conditions can even result in other chronic conditions, depending on the severity of the first condition and how it was treated. One such condition is diabetes which can lead to peripheral neuropathy. You might be able to secure disability compensation if this condition manifested from your time in the service.
Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that specifically targets peripheral nerves, like those in your hands and feet. Individuals with the condition typically report burning pain, tingling, or stabbing pain, in addition to numbness and weakness in the affected areas. Aside from these typical symptoms, individual may experience loss of balance, muscle cramps, shortness of breath, or vomiting.
How can diabetes cause peripheral neuropathy for Veterans? To begin with, regardless of an individual’s Veteran status, diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the more common types of possible diabetes, known as mellitus type II. If fact, according to the Foundation of Peripheral Neuropathy, nearly 30 million American have some type of peripheral neuropathy. However, diabetic Veterans are at a higher risk of this condition since they may experience high blood sugar while serving. If the Veteran already had diabetes going into service, this means he or she can claim their diabetic peripheral neuropathy as a secondary condition since their raised blood sugar levels likely caused the resulting neuropathy.
It should be noted that Veterans do not always have to go through the process of proving the connection between their diabetic peripheral neuropathy and their military service. The VA generally assumes that many of the unique circumstances surrounding military service, like the proximity or exposure to harmful toxins, can cause these kinds of health conditions. The connections the VA automatically assumes are referred to as presumptive-service connections.
For example, Veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange while serving already have a presumptive-service connection for peripheral neuropathy and type two diabetes.
If you are a Veteran and any of these symptoms resonate with you, it may be worthwhile to consult a doctor and see if you might have diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Should you need help securing the proper benefits, our VA-accredited Veterans disability attorneys are available for a free consultation. With years of trying cases like yours, the team is prepared to help you to secure the benefits you deserve, even if it involves appealing a claim denial.
