Type 2 diabetes VA disability:
ratings, evidence and next steps.
Understand the rating criteria, organize supporting records, and find official help with your claim.
GrantsHubUSA · Independent editorial guide
- Diagnostic code
- DC 7913
- Rating framework
- 38 CFR § 4.119
- Key consideration
- Treatment needed and complications
Overview
How VA evaluates type 2 diabetes.
VA rates diabetes under DC 7913 by the treatment it requires, not by blood sugar numbers. The levels step up from diet alone, to medication or insulin with a restricted diet, to regulation of activities, and then to hospitalizations or frequent provider visits.
Complications that are compensable on their own, such as peripheral neuropathy, are usually rated separately.
A diagnosis alone does not establish a particular rating.
Presumptive service connection: Type 2 diabetes is on VA's list of conditions presumed caused by Agent Orange exposure. Qualifying service includes Vietnam from January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975, and, under the PACT Act, locations such as U.S. or Royal Thai military bases in Thailand and the Korean DMZ during set dates. VA's Agent Orange page lists every location and date range.
Type 2 diabetes rating criteria, at a glance.
A condensed guide to the rating levels under DC 7913.
| Rating | Criteria in brief |
|---|---|
| 10% | Manageable by restricted diet only. |
| 20% | One or more daily insulin injections and a restricted diet, or an oral hypoglycemic agent and a restricted diet. |
| 40% | One or more daily insulin injections, a restricted diet, and regulation of activities (avoiding strenuous work and recreational activity). |
| 60% | The 40% requirements, plus ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic episodes needing one or two hospitalizations a year or twice-a-month visits to a diabetic care provider, plus complications that would not be compensable if rated separately. |
| 100% | More than one daily insulin injection, a restricted diet and regulation of activities, plus episodes needing at least three hospitalizations a year or weekly provider visits, plus either progressive loss of weight and strength or complications that would be compensable if rated separately. |
Source: 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7913
These summaries are not the full legal criteria or a self-assessment tool.VA decides the rating from the evidence. Read the full regulation text at the source link.
Build a clear evidence record.
- Treatment recordsRecords showing your diet, medication or insulin regimen.
- Activity restrictionsA provider's note if you have been told to limit strenuous activity.
- Hospital and visit recordsRecords of hospitalizations or frequent visits for diabetic episodes.
- Service recordsFor a presumptive claim, records showing service in a qualifying location and time.
Preparing for a C&P exam
- 1Follow the instructions in your appointment notice, and call the exam provider if you need to reschedule.
- 2Describe symptoms honestly, including how often they happen, how long they last, and changes over time.
- 3Explain the effects on work, relationships and everyday activities, including your worst days.
Common pitfalls to avoid.
- Unrecorded restrictionsMake sure any activity restriction is written in your medical records.
- Missed appointmentsContact the exam provider before the date if you cannot attend.
- Overlooking complicationsAsk about evaluating nerve, eye or kidney problems too.
Questions about type 2 diabetes claims.
No. VA first decides whether the condition is service-connected, then rates it based on the evidence of how it affects you. A diagnosis alone does not set a rating.
VA compares the evidence, including the exam report and your records, with the criteria in 38 CFR § 4.119. When the evidence falls between two levels, VA assigns the higher one if the disability more nearly matches it (38 CFR § 4.7).
Read your appointment notice, bring a list of medications and treatment, and be ready to describe how often symptoms happen, how long they last, and how they affect work, relationships and daily activities. If you cannot attend, contact the exam provider before the appointment.
VA's directory lists accredited attorneys, claims agents and Veterans Service Organization representatives. Help from a Veterans Service Organization is free.
Check the original guidance.
This guide explains published information. It does not replace medical care or advice from an accredited claims professional.
Make your next step a clear one.
Explore more conditions, or use the VA pay calculator to plan ahead.