Conditions secondary to Diabetes (Type 2)

Service-connected Type 2 diabetes drives a well-recognized set of secondary complications that are regularly granted on a nexus opinion.

• Peripheral neuropathy (lower extremities)

  Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common diabetic complications and is regularly granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes.

• Erectile dysfunction

  Erectile dysfunction is a well-recognized complication of diabetes and is commonly claimed as secondary (and may support SMC-K).

• Diabetic retinopathy / eye condition

  Diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) is a recognized secondary complication of service-connected diabetes.

• Kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy)

  Diabetic kidney disease (nephropathy) is a recognized secondary complication of service-connected diabetes.

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

  Diabetes is a recognized contributor to hypertension through diabetic vascular and kidney changes; commonly claimed as secondary with a nexus opinion.

• Ischemic heart disease / coronary artery disease

  Ischemic / coronary artery disease is a recognized complication of diabetes (and is itself an Agent Orange presumptive). Worth claiming as secondary to service-connected diabetes with a nexus opinion.

Informational only and not a guarantee of service connection. A secondary condition still needs a medical nexus opinion linking it to the primary, and the VA makes the final decision. This is not medical or legal advice.