Secondary medical issue aggravated by service-connected disability

[djwave]

I am service-connected for both knees and right wrist. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes and put on oral medication. Four months ago my doctor raised my meds and told me I had to start exercising. Anytime I tried to exercise my knees, legs and feet just ache.

I filed a claim for my Diabetes as a secondary medical issue aggravated by my service-connected disability. Where can I find more information about secondary medical issues aggravated by service-connected disability? What is your opinion on how the VA will view at my claim.

[TinCanMan]

That isn't going to fly. You will not have been the first to attempt that approach. It doesn't work. People that don't have legs can still exercise. I'd recommend you tell your doctor this. Perhaps he can recommend excercises that aren't as painful.

[rainvet]

djwave, did you go take to a good VRO repts. and ask him about what your asking here. I'll just say be careful when you take to a VRO because some of them don't give a care about you and your claim, sometimes I believe it personal to them.

Also take to your Doctors about this and any others concerns you have and seek there advise and wisdom to be able to use it to your problem that is caused from your service-connected disorders. RainVet

[djwave]

I appreciate the feedback guys! My VRO wants to take it forward, so I will.

[TinCanMan]

At the very least, you will need a physician to opine "it is more likely than not" your inability to exercise is aggravating your DMII and he must also provide a medically supportable rationale. A C&P examiner won't do this. They've been down that road before.

FWIW, there are no VRO's. There are Service Officers (SO's).Veterans Service Officers (VSO's) and National Service Officers (NSO's) that work for or are volunteers with the various Service Organizations such as the County, State, AL, AmVets, DAV, VFW, etc for the purpose of assisting veterans in filing their claims. There are also Veterans Service Representatives (VSR's), Rating Veterans Service Representatives (RVSR's) and Decision Review Officers that work for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (DVA) at the VA Regional Office (VARO) in processing and deciding your claim. You will almost never see or talk to a VSR, RVSR or DRO unless you ask for a deNovo appeal.