VA recognizes veterans' type 2 diabetes mellitus as associated with exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides during military service. VA made this ruling in 2001, following new findings on diabetes and herbicide exposure, overturning earlier rulings.

Learn more:

• About Diabetes
• Research on Diabetes and Herbicides Used in Vietnam
• VA Benefits for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
• Contact VA about Benefits

About Diabetes

With diabetes, the body loses the ability to use insulin, a hormone that helps keep blood sugar levels normal. As a result, people with diabetes have high blood sugar (glucose) levels. These high blood sugar levels affect many organs in the body.

There are two types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes - also known as juvenile diabetes, occurs most commonly among juveniles.
• Type 2 diabetes - occurs primarily in adults.

Signs and Symptoms

• Include increased urination, excessive thirst, feeling tired or hungry, losing weight without trying.
• Obesity and family history are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
• Leading cause of blindness in the United States.
• Can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and amputation.

Visit VA’s Diabetes Program to learn more about diabetes.

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Research on Diabetes and Herbicides Used in Vietnam

The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) concluded in its 2000, 2002, and 2004 updates on the Health Effects of Herbicides Used in Vietnam that there is limited/suggestive evidence of an association between exposure to herbicides and type 2 diabetes.

Read NAS Institute of Medicine Reports on Veterans and Agent Orange.*†

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VA Benefits for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Veterans with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service may be eligible for:

• Health care benefits
• Agent Orange registry health examination, a cost-free, comprehensive examination
• Disability compensation benefits, a monthly payment

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Contact VA about Benefits

By Telephone

• Toll-free Helpline: 1-800-749-8387
• Health Care: 1-877-222-8387 (Ask to speak to the Environmental Health Coordinator or Patient Care Advocate)
• Disability Benefits and Other Benefits: 1-800-827-1000
• TDD (for hearing impaired): 1-800-829-4833

In Person

• Health Care: Go to your nearest VA medical facility.
• Disability Benefits and Other Benefits: Go to your nearest VA benefits office.

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