VASRD 7913 · Endocrine

Diabetes Mellitus VA Disability Rating

A metabolic condition where blood sugar is chronically high due to poor insulin production or use.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Insulin-dependent with serious complications and hospital visits.
60%Daily insulin, strict diet, and limited physical activity.
40%Uses insulin and pills with a strict diet.
20%Controlled with insulin or pills and dietary restrictions.
10%Controlled with diet alone.

How the VA Evaluates Diabetes Mellitus

Diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes with documentation of treatment regimen and frequency of hypoglycemic/ketoacidosis episodes.

Approval rate

High – especially when treatment history and complications are well-documented.

Annual service-connected

96,000 veterans

Average rating

40%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •VA or private endocrinologist records showing insulin use and complications
  • •Hospital records of diabetic crises (e.g., hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis)
  • •Lab work showing chronic hyperglycemia (e.g., A1C reports)

Strategy Tips

  • •Clarify if your physical activity is restricted
  • •List all complications like neuropathy or vision issues
  • •Document insulin dosage and regimen

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Failure to document regulation of activities
  • •No evidence of hospitalizations or complications
  • •Inconsistent insulin usage history

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Not including full treatment records
  • •Leaving out documentation of diabetic complications
  • •Failing to note lifestyle limitations from diabetes

Onset Patterns

  • •Gradual onset of fatigue, thirst, and high blood sugar
  • •Can worsen quickly if uncontrolled
  • •May follow pancreatic damage or exposure

Secondary Conditions

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

  • Peripheral Neuropathy

    High blood sugar damages nerves

  • Diabetic Retinopathy

    Affects vision due to damaged blood vessels in eyes

  • Kidney Disease

    Diabetes stresses and scars kidneys

Common questions about Diabetes Mellitus

Is Diabetes Mellitus a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Diabetes Mellitus under VASRD diagnostic code 7913 (Endocrine). A metabolic condition where blood sugar is chronically high due to poor insulin production or use.
What VA disability rating can I get for Diabetes Mellitus?
Possible VA ratings for Diabetes Mellitus are 100%, 60%, 40%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 100% — Insulin-dependent with serious complications and hospital visits.; 60% — Daily insulin, strict diet, and limited physical activity.; 40% — Uses insulin and pills with a strict diet..
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Diabetes Mellitus?
The average awarded rating for Diabetes Mellitus is 40%. Roughly 96,000 veterans are service-connected for Diabetes Mellitus each year. Typical approval likelihood: High – especially when treatment history and complications are well-documented..
What evidence helps prove Diabetes Mellitus for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Diabetes Mellitus claim includes: VA or private endocrinologist records showing insulin use and complications; Hospital records of diabetic crises (e.g., hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis); Lab work showing chronic hyperglycemia (e.g., A1C reports).
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Diabetes Mellitus?
Common pitfalls when filing for Diabetes Mellitus: Not including full treatment records; Leaving out documentation of diabetic complications; Failing to note lifestyle limitations from diabetes.
Is Diabetes Mellitus a presumptive condition for VA benefits?
Yes — Diabetes Mellitus is recognized as a presumptive condition. Presumptive for veterans exposed to Agent Orange or related herbicides
What conditions are commonly secondary to Diabetes Mellitus?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Diabetes Mellitus include: Peripheral Neuropathy, Diabetic Retinopathy, Kidney Disease. 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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