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Diabetes Mellitus Type II VA Disability Rating
DC 7913 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.119 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.11
OVERVIEW
Diabetes mellitus Type II is rated under DC 7913 based on management requirements and complications. It is a presumptive condition for Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange (herbicide agents) under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e). Diabetes also produces numerous secondary conditions including peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, erectile dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease. The secondary condition potential makes diabetes one of the most valuable service-connected conditions in terms of total combined rating.
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
100% — Requires more than one daily insulin injection, restricted diet, and regulation of activities with progressive loss of weight and strength
Insulin-dependent with activity restrictions, progressive weight loss, and strength loss.
60% — Requires insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities
Insulin-dependent with restricted diet AND regulation of activities (doctor-ordered limitation of physical activity).
40% — Requires insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities
Note: the key at 40% vs 20% is 'regulation of activities' — a doctor must document that physical activity is restricted due to diabetes.
20% — Requires insulin and restricted diet, OR oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet
Medication-managed with dietary restrictions but no activity regulation.
10% — Manageable by restricted diet only
Controlled by diet alone without medication.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus Type II
-Vietnam-era service records for Agent Orange presumptive
-Medication records (insulin, metformin, other diabetic medications)
-Doctor documentation of restricted diet and/or regulation of activities
-HbA1c levels over time showing disease progression
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (6 MAPPED)
DC 8515-8521
Diabetic neuropathy is the most common complication. Separately rated for each affected extremity.
DC 6006
Diabetic retinopathy is a direct complication of uncontrolled blood sugar.
DC 7541
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease in the US.
DC 7522
Diabetes causes vascular and nerve damage leading to ED. Qualifies for SMC-K at $139.87/mo.
DC 7101
Diabetes accelerates cardiovascular disease including hypertension.
DC 7005
Diabetes is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.The key rating differentiator is 'regulation of activities' — get your doctor to document any activity restrictions IN WRITING.
2.Each diabetic complication is rated SEPARATELY: peripheral neuropathy in all 4 extremities, retinopathy, nephropathy, ED. These are not pyramiding — they are distinct complications.
3.If Vietnam-era veteran, Agent Orange presumptive means no nexus letter needed — service in-country + diagnosis = service connection.
4.Track and report episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) — frequency of episodes supports higher ratings.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
Camacho v. Nicholson (2005)
The term 'regulation of activities' at the 40% and 60% levels requires medical evidence showing the veteran was told by a doctor to avoid strenuous occupational and recreational activities.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Diabetes at 20% ($345/mo) is often just the beginning. With peripheral neuropathy in all 4 extremities (10-40% each with bilateral factor), retinopathy, nephropathy, ED with SMC-K, and hypertension, a single diabetes diagnosis can produce a combined rating of 80-100%. Total compensation including dependents can exceed $4,000/mo.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026