What are the VA rating percentages for Diabetes Mellitus Type II?

Diabetes Mellitus Type II (DC 7913) is rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100% under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7913. Manageable by restricted diet only.

What rates 10% for Diabetes Mellitus Type II under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7913?

Under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7913 (DC 7913), a 10% rating for Diabetes Mellitus Type II requires: Manageable by restricted diet only.

What rates 20% for Diabetes Mellitus Type II under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7913?

Under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7913 (DC 7913), a 20% rating for Diabetes Mellitus Type II requires: Requiring insulin and restricted diet, or; oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet.

What rates 40% for Diabetes Mellitus Type II under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7913?

Under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7913 (DC 7913), a 40% rating for Diabetes Mellitus Type II requires: Requiring insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities.

What secondary conditions are linked to Diabetes Mellitus Type II?

Common secondary conditions for Diabetes Mellitus Type II include Peripheral Neuropathy - Lower Extremities, Peripheral Neuropathy - Upper Extremities, Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Macular Edema, Cataracts. Secondary service connection is established under 38 C.F.R. 3.310 when a condition is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability.

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Diabetes Mellitus Type II

Q: What rates 60% for Diabetes Mellitus Type II under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7913?

Under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7913 (DC 7913), a 60% rating for Diabetes Mellitus Type II requires: Requiring 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.

Q: What rates 100% for Diabetes Mellitus Type II under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7913?

Under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7913 (DC 7913), a 100% rating for Diabetes Mellitus Type II 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.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Diabetes Mellitus Type II VA claim?

Key evidence for a Diabetes Mellitus Type II claim includes: Recent lab results documenting the endocrine abnormality (for example, blood glucose/A1c, calcium, or hormone levels); Endocrinology records showing insulin/medication regimen, restricted diet, and any regulation of activities (diabetes); A dated log of crises and episodes, with ER/hospital records (for example, Addison's disease, diabetic ketoacidosis/hypoglycemia); Documentation of any separately compensable complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney involvement); Confirmation that continuous medication is required for control. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 791338 C.F.R. § 4.119

Diagnostic Code

DC 7913

38 C.F.R. § 4.119

Rating Range

10–100%

5 severity tiers

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.119

Diabetes Mellitus Type II is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7913 of 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7913 across 5 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 40% / 60% / 100%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Peripheral Neuropathy - Lower Extremities or Peripheral Neuropathy - Upper Extremities under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and high blood sugar. One of the most commonly claimed VA disabilities, especially as a presumptive condition for Agent Orange exposure.

Rating Criteria

10%

Manageable by restricted diet only.

20%

Requiring insulin and restricted diet, or; oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet.

40%

Requiring insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities.

60%

Requiring 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.

Key Evidence

—Recent lab results documenting the endocrine abnormality (for example, blood glucose/A1c, calcium, or hormone levels)

—Endocrinology records showing insulin/medication regimen, restricted diet, and any regulation of activities (diabetes)

—A dated log of crises and episodes, with ER/hospital records (for example, Addison's disease, diabetic ketoacidosis/hypoglycemia)

—Documentation of any separately compensable complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney involvement)

—Confirmation that continuous medication is required for control

—Complete list of prescribed endocrine medications and their side effects

C&P Exam Tips

1Endocrine ratings turn on objective findings - lab values, documented crises or episodes, and whether continuous medication is required (38 CFR 4.119). Bring your recent lab results.

2For diabetes mellitus (DC 7913), the rating builds on insulin injections, a restricted diet, and regulation of activities, then on episodes of ketoacidosis/hypoglycemia requiring hospitalizations or provider visits - document each one.

3Compensable complications of diabetes (such as neuropathy, retinopathy, or kidney involvement) are rated separately unless used to support a 100% evaluation - claim each complication.

4For adrenal conditions like Addison's disease, the rating counts crises and episodes per year (38 CFR 4.119) - keep a dated log; note that a crisis and an episode are defined differently.

5If your condition is controlled only by continuous medication, make sure that requirement is clearly stated on the exam record.

6Report your worst days, list all medications and side effects, and describe the effect on work and daily activity.

Secondary Conditions

Peripheral Neuropathy - Lower ExtremitiesMODERATE

High blood sugar damages peripheral nerves in feet and legs

Peripheral Neuropathy - Upper ExtremitiesMODERATE

Nerve damage extends to hands and arms as disease progresses

Diabetic RetinopathyMODERATE

Microvascular damage to retinal blood vessels causes vision loss

Diabetic Macular EdemaMODERATE

Fluid leakage in macula from damaged blood vessels

CataractsMODERATE

High glucose levels accelerate cataract formation

GlaucomaMODERATE

Diabetes increases risk of open-angle glaucoma

Diabetic NephropathyMODERATE

High blood sugar damages kidney filtration units (nephrons)

Chronic Kidney DiseaseMODERATE

Progressive kidney damage from sustained hyperglycemia

End-Stage Renal DiseaseMODERATE

Advanced diabetic nephropathy requiring dialysis

HypertensionMODERATE

Insulin resistance and kidney dysfunction affect blood pressure

Coronary Artery DiseaseMODERATE

Accelerated atherosclerosis from metabolic dysfunction and inflammation

Heart FailureMODERATE

Diabetic cardiomyopathy and coronary disease weaken heart

Peripheral Artery DiseaseMODERATE

Blood vessel damage reduces circulation to extremities

StrokeMODERATE

Accelerated atherosclerosis increases stroke risk

Erectile DysfunctionMODERATE

Nerve damage and blood vessel damage affect sexual function

Neurogenic BladderMODERATE

Autonomic neuropathy affects bladder control

Urinary IncontinenceMODERATE

Nerve damage impairs bladder sensation and control

GastroparesisMODERATE

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy damages stomach nerve control

Diabetic DiarrheaMODERATE

Autonomic neuropathy affects bowel motility

ConstipationMODERATE

Autonomic dysfunction slows intestinal transit

Diabetic Foot UlcersMODERATE

Neuropathy and poor circulation prevent wound healing

Skin InfectionsMODERATE

High glucose impairs immune function and wound healing

Necrobiosis LipoidicaMODERATE

Diabetic skin condition causing waxy patches

AmputationMODERATE

Severe neuropathy and PAD can require limb amputation

Charcot FootMODERATE

Neuropathy causes progressive bone/joint destruction

Frozen ShoulderMODERATE

Glycation of collagen causes joint stiffness and adhesive capsulitis

Carpal Tunnel SyndromeMODERATE

Diabetic neuropathy and tissue changes compress median nerve

Major Depressive DisorderMODERATE

Chronic disease burden and glucose effects on brain

Anxiety DisorderMODERATE

Disease management stress and fear of complications

Cognitive ImpairmentMODERATE

Vascular damage and glucose effects on brain function

Hearing LossMODERATE

Microvascular damage to inner ear blood supply

PeriodontitisMODERATE

Impaired immunity increases gum disease severity

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver DiseaseMODERATE

Insulin resistance causes fat accumulation in liver

Sleep ApneaMODERATE

Obesity and metabolic factors worsen sleep apnea

Hypoglycemia UnawarenessMODERATE

Autonomic neuropathy reduces warning symptoms

Autonomic NeuropathyMODERATE

Nerve damage affects automatic body functions

Bladder DysfunctionMODERATE

Autonomic neuropathy affects bladder control

DepressionMODERATE

Chronic disease burden and biological changes

Cognitive DeclineMODERATE

Vascular damage and glucose toxicity affect brain

More in Endocrine & Metabolic

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Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.119 (Endocrine system). Source verified 2026-06-16 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.

View § 4.119 on eCFR →Cornell Law mirror →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
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