VASRD 7129 · Endocrine System

Diabetes mellitus VA Disability Rating

Chronic condition affecting glucose metabolism requiring long-term management.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
10%Manageable by restricted diet alone
20%Requires insulin or oral medication
40%Insulin with dietary restrictions and activity regulation
60%Requires daily insulin, activity limitation, and complications
100%With progressive complications like neuropathy or kidney issues

How the VA Evaluates Diabetes mellitus

A1C levels, medication requirements, and presence of complications.

Approval rate

High

Annual service-connected

95,000 veterans

Average rating

60%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •A1C tests
  • •Endocrinology notes
  • •Medication logs

Strategy Tips

  • •Claim secondary issues
  • •Document insulin use and complications

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Missing documentation of complications
  • •Incomplete treatment history

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Not linking to secondary conditions
  • •No lab history

Onset Patterns

  • •Gradual
  • •Post-exposure or post-weight gain

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Diabetes mellitus. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

Common questions about Diabetes mellitus

Is Diabetes mellitus a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Diabetes mellitus under VASRD diagnostic code 7129 (Endocrine System). Chronic condition affecting glucose metabolism requiring long-term management.
What VA disability rating can I get for Diabetes mellitus?
Possible VA ratings for Diabetes mellitus are 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%. Examples: 10% — Manageable by restricted diet alone; 20% — Requires insulin or oral medication; 40% — Insulin with dietary restrictions and activity regulation.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Diabetes mellitus?
The average awarded rating for Diabetes mellitus is 60%. Roughly 95,000 veterans are service-connected for Diabetes mellitus each year. Typical approval likelihood: High.
What evidence helps prove Diabetes mellitus for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Diabetes mellitus claim includes: A1C tests; Endocrinology notes; Medication logs.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Diabetes mellitus?
Common pitfalls when filing for Diabetes mellitus: Not linking to secondary conditions; No lab history.
Is Diabetes mellitus a presumptive condition for VA benefits?
Yes — Diabetes mellitus is recognized as a presumptive condition. The VA presumes service connection if you meet the qualifying service criteria, which reduces the evidence burden compared to a direct service-connection claim.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Diabetes mellitus?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Diabetes mellitus include: , , . Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Diabetes mellitus combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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