EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Metabolic Syndrome
DC 7913 | 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7913 |
Metabolic Syndrome 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.
OVERVIEW
Cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Increases risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
10%
Manageable with diet and/or continuous medication; or mild symptoms controlled with treatment.
20%
Requiring insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet; or moderate symptoms requiring regular medical management.
40%
Requiring insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities; or moderately severe symptoms with significant functional impact.
60%
Requiring insulin, restricted diet, regulation of activities, and episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalization; or severe symptoms with frequent medical intervention.
100%
Requiring more than one daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, regulation of activities, and progressive loss of weight and strength; or total debility from endocrine dysfunction.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records
-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records
-Buddy/lay statements
-Prescription history
-Employment impact documentation
-Any relevant diagnostic testing
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.
2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.
3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.
4.Mention all medications and their side effects.
5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026