Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.119, Diagnostic Code 7913, from 10% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. 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. Most claims establish the 10% or 20% rating before reaching the top tier.
Rating schedule — DC 7913 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 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?
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.
Requiring one or more daily injection of insulin and restricted diet, or; oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet
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.
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
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 (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Diabetes mellitus may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Diabetes mellitus?
Service connection for Diabetes mellitus requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.
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 is the C&P exam like for Diabetes mellitus?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Diabetes mellitus uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.
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