🎖️ VALOR

Where Veterans Can Enjoy Thanksgiving Meals and Charities You Can Support This Holiday Season

Thanksgiving Meals for Veterans

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, veterans across the country are welcomed at several locations to enjoy a meal in honor of their service. Here are some national-level locations where veterans can find a warm meal and community:

• Military Bases: Veterans can attend Thanksgiving feasts on military bases across the country. While these meals are not free, they are typically affordable, and veterans can bring guests to share the experience.

• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion Posts: Many local posts offer free Thanksgiving meals for veterans and their families. Contact your local post to see how you can participate or volunteer.

• Operation Homefront: Through their Holiday Meals for Military program, Operation Homefront distributes meal kits to veterans and their families across the country.

• Salvation Army: Numerous Salvation Army locations nationwide host community Thanksgiving meals, open to veterans and their families.

• Elks Lodge: Many Elks Lodges across the country offer free Thanksgiving dinners, often focusing on serving veterans and their families.

Charities Supporting Veterans This Holiday Season

During the holidays, it’s a perfect time to give back to those who’ve sacrificed for our country. Here are a few highly-rated charities that support veterans and their families:

• Homes For Our Troops: Builds and donates specially adapted homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans.

• Wounded Warrior Project: Provides mental health services, career counseling, and adaptive sports programs for veterans and their families.

• Gary Sinise Foundation: Offers adapted homes, caregiver support, and mental health services for veterans, first responders, and their families.

• Folds of Honor: Provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members.

• Hire Heroes USA: Focuses on career development and job placement services for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

• Code Platoon: Provides coding training and job placement for veterans and military spouses pursuing tech careers.

• Tunnel to Towers Foundation: Builds mortgage-free homes for severely injured veterans and Gold Star families.

Supporting these organizations is a meaningful way to honor veterans during the holiday season, ensuring they receive the care and resources they need.

⚖️ EXPERTS

Diabetes & Agent Orange: What Veterans Need to Know About VA Disability Benefits

The VA recognizes two types of diabetes for disability ratings: Diabetes Mellitus (Type I or II) and Diabetes Insipidus. These conditions are rated differently depending on severity, treatment, and complications.

Diabetes Mellitus VA Ratings (Diagnostic Code 7913):

• 100%: Requires multiple daily insulin injections, restricted diet, regulated activities, frequent care for ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia, and complications.

• 60%: One or more daily insulin injections, restricted diet, regulated activities, and intermittent hospitalizations or bi-monthly medical visits.

• 40%: Insulin injections, restricted diet, and regulated activities.

• 20%: Insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent with a restricted diet.

• 10%: Managed by restricted diet alone.

Diabetes Insipidus VA Ratings (Diagnostic Code 7909):

• 30%: Rated for three months after diagnosis; residuals are rated separately afterward.

• 10%: Persistent polyuria or continuous hormonal therapy.

Complications related to diabetes, such as kidney disease or neuropathy, may be evaluated and rated separately unless they contribute to a 100% rating.

Is Diabetes a Presumptive Condition?

Type II diabetes is considered a presumptive condition by the VA for veterans exposed to herbicides like Agent Orange. This designation simplifies the claims process by presuming the condition is service-related.

Agent Orange and Type 2 Diabetes

Agent Orange, a herbicide used extensively during the Vietnam War, contains dioxin, a toxic chemical linked to Type II diabetes. Research has shown that dioxin disrupts the body’s endocrine system, leading to insulin resistance—a hallmark of Type II diabetes.

Scientific Evidence Supporting the Connection:

• Studies from the National Academy of Sciences and National Institutes of Health (NIH) have confirmed a strong link between Agent Orange exposure and Type II diabetes.

• Dioxin exposure affects glucose metabolism and insulin production, increasing the risk of developing diabetes.

Agent Orange Exposure Locations

To qualify for presumptive benefits, veterans must have served in these areas:

• Vietnam: January 9, 1962 – May 7, 1975.

• Korean DMZ: September 1, 1967 – August 31, 1971.

• Other qualifying locations include:

  • Thailand (1962–1976)

  • Guam and American Samoa (1962–1980)

  • Laos (1965–1969)

  • Cambodia (1969)

  • Johnston Atoll (1972–1977)

Veterans who served aboard U.S. vessels in Vietnam’s inland waterways or in locations where herbicides were stored or tested are also eligible.

How to File a Claim for Diabetes

Veterans seeking compensation for diabetes should provide evidence to support their claim:

Steps to File a Claim:

1. Gather Medical Evidence: Include medical records detailing the diagnosis, treatment (e.g., insulin therapy), and any related complications.

2. Prove Service Connection: Submit documentation of service in areas with presumed Agent Orange exposure.

3. File the Claim: Use VA Form 21-526EZ for a new claim or VA Form 20-0995 for a supplemental claim if previously denied.

Strengthen Your VA Claim

To maximize your chances of approval:

• Submit comprehensive medical records and evidence of exposure.

• Work with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for guidance.

• Use the VA disability calculator to estimate your compensation based on your combined rating.

Denied a Diabetes Claim?

If the VA denies your claim, you can appeal by submitting additional evidence. Veterans previously denied claims for conditions now considered presumptive under the PACT Act (e.g., diabetes linked to Agent Orange) are encouraged to reapply. Click below to start your free case evaluation!

Were You or a Loved One Impacted by Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Exposure?

If you or a loved one had hands-on exposure to AFFF—whether as a firefighter or non-firefighter—and were later diagnosed with:

• Testicular Cancer

• Kidney Cancer

• Liver Cancer

• Thyroid Cancer (diagnosed 4 years after exposure)

• Hyper/hypothyroidism (diagnosed 1 year after exposure)

• Ulcerative Colitis

you may be entitled to compensation. AFFF has been linked to these serious health risks, prompting many to seek justice and compensation.

Don’t wait—your health and rights matter. Contact our legal team to learn more about your options for compensation and get the help you deserve.

Call us at (855) 494-1298 to learn more.

🦅SUPPORT

Attention: No Livestream This Week!

Our staff will be out of the office early this Wednesday to celebrate the holidays, so we will not be hosting a livestream this week. Join us again next week.

In the meantime, consider checking out our YouTube channel, packed with great information from our attorneys and other members of our team to help you with every stage of your or your loved ones disability claim.

🗺️ TACTICS

Veterans’ Success in Securing Higher Rating for Type II Diabetes & Peripheral Neuropathy

Note: All identifying info has been changed to protect the identity of the client. These case examples are taken from the BVA database for examples. If they are Hill & Ponton clients, it will be indicated.

Summary of Claim

A Vietnam War veteran, who served from May 1969 to March 1971, was initially awarded a 10% disability rating for service-connected Type II diabetes due to herbicide exposure. However, his condition progressed, requiring both medication and dietary restrictions, which led him to seek a higher rating. Additionally, the veteran experienced worsening diabetic peripheral neuropathy in his lower extremities, significantly impacting his daily life. This case highlights the importance of medical documentation and the role of secondary conditions in appealing for increased VA ratings.

The Outcome

In this case, the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) granted the veteran an increased 20% disability rating for his Type II diabetes, effective from May 4, 2009. The BVA also recognized the progression of his diabetic peripheral neuropathy, granting a 20% rating for both the right and left lower extremities, effective from December 4, 2013.

• Granted: 20% disability rating for Type II diabetes requiring dietary restrictions and medication.

• Granted: 20% disability rating for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in each lower extremity due to moderate pain and numbness.

Why Was This Decision Made?

The increased ratings were based on the following critical factors:

Disease Progression and Management

The veteran provided medical records showing that his diabetes required medication and a restricted diet starting in 2009. His hemoglobin A1C levels reflected poor control of the disease, warranting a higher rating.

Symptom Impact on Daily Life

Testimony from the veteran and his spouse during the Board hearing detailed the condition's progression, including emergency room visits and difficulties in managing daily tasks. This evidence demonstrated the need for increased compensation.

Worsening Peripheral Neuropathy

Consistent medical evidence showed that the veteran’s diabetic neuropathy caused moderate pain, tingling, and numbness in his legs. These symptoms affected his mobility and quality of life, leading to increased ratings for both lower extremities.

Secondary Conditions: Opportunities for Additional Ratings

Diabetes can often lead to secondary conditions, which may qualify veterans for increased compensation. Common secondary conditions include:

• Renal Dysfunction/Kidney Issues: Chronic kidney disease or renal failure caused by diabetes.

• Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Pain, numbness, or tingling in extremities, as seen in this veteran’s case.

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Impaired blood flow and nerve function.

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Closely linked to diabetes and its complications.

• Skin Conditions: Bacterial and fungal infections, diabetic dermopathy.

• Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to retinal blood vessels, leading to vision loss.

• Heart Disease and Strokes: Increased risk due to blood sugar and circulation issues.

• Foot Problems: Ulcers, infections, and potential amputations due to poor circulation.

If you’re living with secondary conditions caused by diabetes, these may increase your overall VA rating and compensation. Use our VA Disability Calculator to explore how secondary conditions could impact your rating and see if you qualify for additional benefits. 

If you're facing challenges in securing the VA benefits you deserve, or if you believe your current disability rating does not accurately reflect your condition, we're here to help. Call us at (855) 494-1298.