Diagnostic Code 7913 · 38 CFR §4.119
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition where the body either does not produce enough insulin (Type 1) or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces (Type 2). The VA rates diabetes based on how it is managed — diet alone, oral medication, or insulin — and whether it requires regulation of activities. Type 2 diabetes is one of the most commonly claimed conditions among Vietnam-era veterans due to its presumptive association with Agent Orange exposure. It is also increasingly claimed by Gulf War veterans and those exposed to burn pits under the PACT Act.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Diabetes manageable by restricted diet only. No oral medication or insulin required. |
| 20% | Diabetes requiring one or more daily injections of insulin and a restricted diet, or requiring an oral hypoglycemic agent and a restricted diet. This is the most common rating. The key factor is that you need medication (either insulin or oral) plus a restricted diet. |
| 40% | Diabetes requiring one or more daily injections of insulin, restricted diet, AND regulation of activities. "Regulation of activities" is a specific legal term meaning a medical provider has documented that you must avoid strenuous occupational and recreational activities due to diabetes. This must be supported by medical evidence — a doctor must have told you to limit your activities because of your diabetes. |
| 60% | Diabetes requiring one or more daily injections 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% | Diabetes requiring more than one daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of 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. |
You need: (1) a confirmed diabetes diagnosis with lab results (HbA1c, fasting glucose), (2) a nexus to service (direct, secondary, or presumptive for Agent Orange or PACT Act), and (3) medical records documenting your treatment regimen — specifically whether you are on diet only, oral medication, or insulin, and whether a doctor has placed activity restrictions. For the 40% rating and above, you must have documented medical evidence that a provider has instructed you to regulate (limit) your activities due to diabetes. A letter from your endocrinologist or primary care provider specifying activity restrictions is critical for the higher ratings.
It means a medical provider has documented in your records that you need to avoid strenuous occupational and recreational activities specifically because of your diabetes. This is not the same as generally being advised to exercise or eat healthy — it requires specific medical restrictions on your activities. You need a doctor's statement in your records to meet this criterion.
Yes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is on the VA's list of conditions presumptively associated with herbicide agent (Agent Orange) exposure. If you served in Vietnam, Thailand, or other qualifying locations during the applicable period and have a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, you may qualify for presumptive service connection.
Yes. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, kidney conditions, vision problems, and erectile dysfunction should each be filed as separate secondary claims. Each complication has its own diagnostic code and rating, and they are added to your combined rating using VA math. For neuropathy, each affected extremity is rated individually.
The most common rating is 20%, which requires insulin or an oral hypoglycemic agent plus a restricted diet. Most veterans with Type 2 diabetes who are on medication receive this rating.