VASRD 7913 · Endocrine
Diabetes Mellitus at 20% VA Disability Rating
Controlled with insulin or pills and dietary restrictions.
20%: single veteran, no dependents
$356.66
$4,279.92/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 20%
Requires insulin and restricted diet, or oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet.
20% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Diabetes Mellitus rated at 20%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.
| Single (no dependents) | $356.66 |
| With spouse | $356.66 |
| With spouse + 1 child | $356.66 |
| With spouse + 2 children | $356.66 |
| Single + 1 child (no spouse) | $356.66 |
Lower tier
10% Diabetes Mellitus
$180.42 /mo single
Higher tier
40% Diabetes Mellitus
$795.84 /mo single
Common questions about 20% for Diabetes Mellitus
- How much does a 20% VA rating for Diabetes Mellitus pay?
- A single veteran rated 20% for Diabetes Mellitus receives $356.66 per month ($4,279.92/year) under the 2026 VA rates, effective December 1, 2025. VA disability compensation is tax-free. With a spouse and one child, the monthly amount is $356.66.
- What does it take to get a 20% rating for Diabetes Mellitus?
- Requires insulin and restricted diet, or oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet.
- What's the difference between 20% and 40% for Diabetes Mellitus?
- 20%: Controlled with insulin or pills and dietary restrictions. 40%: Uses insulin and pills with a strict diet.
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?
- Yes. If a condition like Peripheral Neuropathy is service-connected as secondary to Diabetes Mellitus, the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 20% alone.
See all rating tiers and evidence guidance
Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Diabetes Mellitus are on the main condition page.
View full Diabetes Mellitus guide