Diabetes mellitus
The VA rates Diabetes mellitus under Diagnostic Code 7913 across 5 severity levels, from 10% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation. There are 9 documented secondary conditions linked to Diabetes mellitus.
Rating schedule — DC 7913 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.119
- Body system
- Endocrine System
- Secondary conditions
- 9
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Diabetes mellitus?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Manageable by restricted diet only Note: Diabetes mellitus ratings are based on treatment required and complications. Type 2 DM is common in veterans and is a presumptive condition for Agent Orange/herbicide-exposed veterans. Diabetes complications (neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy) should be separately rated as secondary conditions. |
| 20% | Requiring one or more daily injection of insulin and restricted diet, or; oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet |
| 40% | Requiring one or more daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities Note: "Regulation of activities" means the veteran must modify their activities (avoid heavy exertion, maintain strict schedules) due to diabetes management. This includes avoidance of strenuous work due to hypoglycemia risk. |
| 60% | Requiring one or more daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring one or two hospitalizations per year or twice a month visits to a diabetic care provider, plus complications that would not be compensable if separately evaluated |
| 100% | Requiring more than one daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities (avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities) with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring at least three hospitalizations per year or weekly visits to a diabetic care provider, plus either progressive loss of weight and strength or complications that would be compensable if separately evaluated Note: The 100% rating for diabetes requires multiple daily insulin injections, frequent hospitalizations or provider visits, AND progressive weight/strength loss. Many severely diabetic veterans achieve total disability through the combined effects of diabetes and its secondary complications rather than the primary diabetes rating alone. |
“Requiring one or more daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Diabetes mellitus?
View 9 secondary conditions linked to Diabetes mellitus
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Diabetes mellitus VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Diabetes mellitus?
The VA rates Diabetes mellitus under Diagnostic Code 7913 at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Manageable by restricted diet only. The maximum 100% rating requires: Requiring more than one daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities (avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities) with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring at least three hospitalizations per year or weekly visits to a diabetic care provider, plus either progressive loss of weight and strength or complications that would be compensable if separately evaluated.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Diabetes mellitus?
The VA rates Diabetes mellitus under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7913, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.119. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 100% rating for Diabetes mellitus?
A 10% rating requires: Manageable by restricted diet only. A 100% rating requires: Requiring more than one daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities (avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities) with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring at least three hospitalizations per year or weekly visits to a diabetic care provider, plus either progressive loss of weight and strength or complications that would be compensable if separately evaluated. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Diabetes mellitus qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Diabetes mellitus alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Diabetes mellitus?
The key evidence for Diabetes mellitus is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is associated with 9 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Diabetes mellitus?
The C&P examiner uses a Endocrine System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7913 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
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