Travis Dees

I developed type 1 diabetes late in life, at age 26 and while on active duty in the US Navy. Turns out, the Navy is not too thrilled with Sailors running around with needles so I was medically separated. Because the disease developed while active, the US Navy (through the VA) handles all off my expenses including insulin and other supplies, and any and all medially-related service appointments. 20 years after separation I was assigned a full 100% disability rating based on T1D and a host of follow-on issues that developed over time. The 100% T&P (total and permanent) diagnosis allows for moderately comfortable living on the stipend alone, and frees up time for Doctors’ appointment and treatments. While I cannot say I’m ‘happy’ to be a Diabetic, if it was going to happen anyway (runs heavy in my family), it couldn’t have happened at a better time.