This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Diabetes Type 2
- Diabetes Type 2 is a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange or other qualifying herbicide agents.
- "Regulation of activities" means a medical provider has specifically restricted strenuous occupational and recreational activities, which is required for the 40% rating.
- Each diabetic complication (neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy) is rated separately from the diabetes itself.
- Peripheral neuropathy in each extremity is rated independently, potentially adding significant combined value.
Based on VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and related service-connection regulations. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities), VA.gov disability compensation, 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)
Overview
Type 2 diabetes is an endocrine condition frequently claimed by veterans, particularly those with exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicide agents during service in Vietnam, Thailand, or other qualifying locations. It is rated under Diagnostic Code 7913 based on the level of management required to control the condition.
The VA rates diabetes based on treatment requirements: whether it is managed by diet alone, requires oral medication or insulin, and whether it necessitates regulation of activities (avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities). Higher ratings are assigned for episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalization.
Diabetes frequently leads to secondary conditions including peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction. These complications are rated separately and can substantially increase a veteran's combined rating.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Manageable by restricted diet only. |
| 20% | Requires insulin and restricted diet, or oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet. |
| 40% | Requires insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities. |
| 60% | Requires 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% | Requires 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. |
- 10%
Manageable by restricted diet only.
- 20%
Requires insulin and restricted diet, or oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet.
- 40%
Requires insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities.
- 60%
Requires 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%
Requires 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.
These criteria describe how a VA Compensation & Pension examiner evaluates the condition during a rating exam. They are not a self-test. For mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130, a diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician under DSM-5. Actual ratings depend on the totality of evidence reviewed by the VA.
Evidence Checklist
Required
A1C records
Hemoglobin A1C test results showing diabetes diagnosis and level of glucose control over time.
Medication history
Records documenting current and past diabetes medications, including insulin type and dosage if applicable.
Recommended
Treatment records
Records from diabetic care providers showing the frequency of visits, treatment adjustments, and complications management.
Activity restriction documentation
Medical documentation that a provider has prescribed regulation of activities due to diabetes.
Helpful
Complication records
Documentation of diabetes-related complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, or nephropathy.
Hospitalization records
Records of any hospitalizations for ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions.
Secondary Conditions
These conditions may be claimed as secondary to Diabetes Type 2. A nexus is the medical link between a service-connected condition and a related condition. Nexus strength indicates the level of established medical evidence supporting that connection.
Peripheral Neuropathy
DC 8520, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%
Diabetic Retinopathy
DC 6006, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%
Nephropathy
DC 7541, Typical range: 0%, 30%, 60%, 80%, 100%
Hypertension
DC 7101, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%
Erectile Dysfunction
DC 7522, Typical range: 0%, 20%
Explore all secondary conditions in the Secondary Condition Mapper tool.
C&P Exam Preparation
What to Expect
- The examiner will review your A1C (glycated hemoglobin) levels and blood glucose management history.
- You will be asked about your current treatment regimen, including insulin, oral medications, and dosages.
- The examiner will assess whether your diabetes requires regulation of activities, meaning you must avoid strenuous occupational or recreational activities.
How to Prepare
- Know your most recent A1C level and the trend over the past year (improving, stable, or worsening).
- Be prepared to list all diabetes medications, including insulin type, dosage, and how often you inject.
- Consider preparing to describe any episodes of hypoglycemia, including symptoms, frequency, and whether you have been hospitalized.
View the full C&P exam preparation guide for detailed tips and common mistakes.
Related DBQs
Search all DBQ forms in the DBQ Finder tool.
Next Steps
This information is for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.