Agent Orange, the notorious herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, has left a lengthy legacy of lasting health issues for veterans who were exposed to it during their time in service. Among the numerous health problems linked to Agent Orange exposure, diabetes has emerged as a significant concern. Veterans who experienced Agent Orange exposure are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes specifically, a chronic condition that can severely impact the quality of life.
Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during their military service and developed Type 2 diabetes may be eligible for veterans’ disability compensation. This is because Type 2 diabetes is considered a presumptive condition by The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans with Agent Orange exposure. This means that if you served in Vietnam or another area where Agent Orange was used, and you later develop Type 2 diabetes, the VA will automatically presume your condition is related to your military service.
What is Agent Orange?
Agent Orange was a tactical herbicide used by the U.S. military for control of vegetation. It was named for the orange band around the storage barrel. The military sprayed Agent Orange and other tactical herbicides during the Vietnam War.
Where was Agent Orange?
Veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange include Veterans who served in locations including Vietnam, the Korean Demilitarized Zone, on Thai Air Force bases, and others who flew on or worked on C-123 Aircraft, as well as those exposed to “Blue Water”.
- Agent Orange Exposure in Vietnam
Presumed exposure on land in Vietnam, on a vessel operating on the inland waterways of Vietnam, or on a vessel operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia as defined in Public Law 116-23 (Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act 2019) between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 - C-123 Airplanes and Agent Orange Residue
Possible exposure of C-123 flight, ground maintenance, and aeromedical crew members to herbicide residue in C-123 planes flown during and after the Vietnam War - Korean Demilitarized Zone
Presumed exposure for units determined by VA and Department of Defense (DOD) to have operated along the demilitarized zone in Korea between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971. - Thailand Military Bases
VA presumes (assumes) exposure to Agent Orange for Veterans who served on any U.S. or Royal Thai military base in Thailand from January 9, 1962, through June 30, 1976. - Herbicide Tests and Storage Outside Vietnam
Possible exposure due to DOD herbicide tests and storage at military installations in the United States and at locations in other countries, and locations added by the PACT Act. - Blue Water Veterans who served on a vessel operating not more than 12 nautical miles seaward from the demarcation line of the waters of Vietnam and Cambodia as defined in Public Law 116-23 are eligible for the Agent Orange Registry.
Agent Orange Exposure & Diabetes in Veterans: How They are Linked
Agent Orange contains a chemical called dioxin. Dioxin is a compound made from burning chlorine with carbon and hydrogen. Dioxins are environmental pollutants. They belong to the so-called dirty dozen – a group of dangerous chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Dioxins are of concern because of their highly toxic potential. Experiments have shown they affect several organs and systems.
Once dioxins enter the body, they last a long time because of their chemical stability and their ability to be absorbed by fat tissue, where they are then stored in the body. Their half-life in the body isestimated to be 7 to 11 years.
The Health Impacts of Diabetes on Disabled Veterans
What does this mean for you, the Veteran who has been exposed to Agent Orange? Well it’s not just the diabetes that can be linked to your Agent Orange exposure, though the VA has determined that if you can establish Agent Orange exposure, it is presumed that your diabetes was caused by that exposure. However, apart from diabetes, Agent Orange is know to cause a multitude of medical conditions, including, but not limited to certain cancers, heart disease, and Parkinson’s.
What many often forget about are not just the conditions caused by Agent Orange, but the medical conditions that come secondary to any number of these impairments. For example, many diabetics develop neuropathy in their hands and feet, making use of the same challenging. A secondary claim for neuropathy can be filed as secondary to the Diabetes. If you develop bladder cancer, their may be residuals from treatment, such as urinary incontinence and frequency. If you develop prostate cancer, treatment can lead to erectile dysfunction. All of these secondary conditions could be eligible for their own individual ratings.
But more so, its not enough to just look at the conditions for which you have been diagnosed, but other conditions which occur as a result of your diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is known to also cause heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, eye disease and problems with feet. All of these conditions, while not necessarily caused directly by your time in the service, can be directly related to the diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes, which is presumed service connected if you meet the requirements.
Applying for Veterans Disability with Agent Orange Exposure Related Diabetes
If you have been exposed to Agent Orange, or engaged in any Toxic Exposure Risk Activities (TERA), we encourage you to reach out to Bross & Frankel, where we can help navigate your impairments, and determine whether or not you should be entitled to additional compensation. Our dedicated team will review your claim thoroughly and will work to get you the benefits you deserve.
At Bross & Frankel, P.A. we are proud to represent the men and women who have bravely served our country. We work with veterans to help them get the benefits that they are entitled to, including disability compensation and related benefits. To learn more or to schedule a free claim review with a veterans disability attorney, contact our office today at (856) 795-8880 or fill out our online contact form.
Jennifer Stonage is a Senior Associate Attorney at Bross & Frankel, P.A. and primarily assists with the firm’s Veteran’s Benefits matters. She believes that the veterans who served our country are entitled to the help and compensation they are entitled to, and will put her knowledge to work to secure the highest possible compensation ratings. The VA process can be incredibly tricky to navigate. Let somebody who knows the system work to help you.