🎖️ VALOR

Sergeant Alvin C. York: The Marksman Who Turned the Tide at Argonne

Alvin Cullum York was born in Pall Mall, TN in 1887, the third of 11 children in a poor farming family. Growing up in the Cumberland Plateau, he developed expert marksmanship while hunting to help feed his family. Known for his strength and fiery temperament, York worked as a blacksmith and laborer before a profound religious awakening led him to a life of faith and peace.  

When he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1917, York served in Company G, 328th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Division. Guided by his beliefs, he initially sought conscientious objector status but was denied. Though hesitant about combat, York resolved to serve faithfully and protect his fellow soldiers. 

On Oct. 8, 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive near Chatel-Chehery, France, York’s unit came under heavy German machine-gun fire that pinned them down and caused severe casualties. With most of his squad leaders killed or wounded, York took command. Using the marksmanship he had honed back home in Tennessee, he advanced alone under fire, picking off enemy gunners with calm precision.  

When several German soldiers charged him with bayonets, York used his pistol to stop the attack. By the time the fight ended, he had eliminated roughly 25 enemy soldiers and captured 132 others, including several officers. His extraordinary courage and quick thinking saved his unit and helped secure the American advance through the Argonne Forest. 

For his actions that day, York received the Medal of Honor, the Croix de Guerre with Palm, and several other international honors. Upon returning to the United States, he was celebrated as one of the most decorated soldiers of World War I. However, he remained humble, often saying he acted out of necessity rather than heroism. 

After the war, York devoted his life to service and education. He founded the Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute in Jamestown, Tenn., to provide opportunities for rural youth. Though he preferred a quiet life, he continued to speak about faith, duty, and the responsibility to do what is right. 

Sergeant York died in 1964 and was buried with full military honors in his hometown of Pall Mall. His legacy endures as one of courage and conviction, a reminder that heroism often comes from ordinary people who choose to do the extraordinary when the moment demands it. 

Honor veterans like Alvin C. York and watch more stories on our YouTube channel.

⚖️ EXPERTS

VA Disability Ratings for Diabetes and Related Conditions 

VA compensates for diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus, assigning ratings based on the severity of the condition, its treatment, and associated complications. These ratings determine veteran and dependent compensation. 

VA Ratings for Diabetes Mellitus 

Diabetes mellitus is rated from 10% to 100%, based on management and the presence of serious episodes or complications. 

The process involves reviewing: 

• Whether a restricted diet is required. 

• Medical regulation of activities. 

• Episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions require hospitalization or frequent medical visits. 

If complications are present, VA will determine if they should be rated separately or included as part of a 100% evaluation. Noncompensable complications are considered part of the diabetic process within this step. 

VA Ratings for Diabetes Insipidus 

Diabetes insipidus is rated under Diagnostic Code 7909. VA first applies a 30% rating for three months following initial diagnosis. After this period, they evaluate any ongoing symptoms and rate them under the appropriate body system, using a step-by-step reassessment. 

A 10% rating applies when the condition causes persistent polyuria or requires continuous hormonal therapy. 

Presumptive Service Connection for Type II Diabetes 

VA considers Type II diabetes a presumptive condition if linked to herbicide exposure, such as Agent Orange. Veterans who served in certain places, like Vietnam or near the Korean DMZ during specific times, are presumed exposed. 

To qualify, veterans must show: 

• Service in a qualifying location during the specified dates. 

• A diagnosis of Type II diabetes. 

• A discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. 

Because the condition is presumptive, veterans do not need to prove that diabetes was directly caused by military service. 

Proving VA Disability for Diabetes 

To qualify for a VA disability rating for diabetes, veterans need medical evidence of diagnosis and service connection. 

This includes: 

• Medical records documenting diagnosis, treatment, insulin use, dietary management, and hospitalizations. 

• Proof of service connection, either through herbicide exposure or service-related causes. 

Example of a Successful Claim 

In one case, a Vietnam War veteran appealed for higher ratings for Type II diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. He was initially rated at 10% for diabetes. After reviewing medical records showing medication use and poor blood sugar control,  VA increased the diabetes rating to 20%. 

VA also increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities after evidence showed worsening pain, numbness, and tingling. 

This case illustrates the importance of thorough medical documentation, clear records of symptom changes, and honest testimony in seeking higher ratings. 

Secondary Conditions Associated With Diabetes 

Diabetes may cause additional conditions that can increase a veteran’s overall VA rating, including: 

• Renal dysfunction or kidney issues. 

• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy. 

• Erectile dysfunction. 

• Hypertension. 

• Skin conditions. 

• Diabetic retinopathy. 

• Heart disease. 

• Strokes. 

• Foot problems such as ulcers or infections. 

Learning about VA ratings for diabetes and related conditions is important. This helps secure the right compensation.

If you’re facing challenges with your claim and need assistance, reach out for a free case evaluation.

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Were You Exposed to Asbestos During Military Service?

Many U.S. veterans were exposed to asbestos during their time in service, often without knowing the risks. Years later, this exposure has led to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related lung cancers for countless veterans.

If you served in the military and have been diagnosed, you may qualify for compensation. Our firm proudly helps veterans and their families pursue the benefits and justice they deserve.

Act now. Contact us today at (855) 494-1298 to learn more about your options or to begin your claim. You’ve served your country; let us serve you.

🗺️ TACTICS

Is 100 Percent VA Disability for Diabetes Possible? 

In this video, Hill & Ponton video producer Nate Flemming speaks with Senior Attorney Shannon Brewer about how veterans can establish VA service connections and ratings for diabetes. Attorney Brewer explains that veterans must first have a confirmed diagnosis that meets VA's blood glucose criteria, noting that some veterans may require additional clarification from their doctors to ensure the diagnosis is properly documented. 

Attorney Brewer outlines how diabetes is rated, starting at 10% when it is managed by diet alone and increasing to 20% when medication is required. She explains that insulin use itself is already contemplated at the 20% level and does not, on its own, support a higher rating. Ratings above 20% require insulin, a restricted diet, and medically documented regulation of activities, a requirement she notes is often missing from medical records and can limit a veteran’s overall rating. 

More severe cases, involving frequent hospitalizations or specialist visits, may qualify for higher ratings; however, 100% ratings are rare. 

The conversation also covers service connection, explaining that diabetes can be directly linked to service, often through toxic or herbicide exposure, or granted as a secondary condition. Attorney Brewer emphasizes that diabetes frequently causes additional disabilities, particularly peripheral neuropathy, kidney disease, and eye conditions, which may be rated separately if properly documented. 

She concludes by stressing the importance of clear medical records, saying: 

“Ask them, is this related to what I already have? And get it in the record.” 

Need Help with an Appeal? Hill & Ponton is Here for You

At Hill & Ponton, we specialize in helping veterans navigate the VA appeals process to secure the benefits they rightfully deserve. Whether you're facing a denied claim, an appeal for a higher rating, or need assistance gathering critical evidence, our team is ready to advocate for you.

Use our VA Disability Calculator to see if your current rating aligns with your level of disability and explore potential increases based on any secondary conditions you may have. Calculate Your VA Disability Rating Now!