Diabetes Mellitus Type II
Diagnostic Code 7913 • 38 CFR § 4.119
Ratings follow your treatment requirements and complications. Many veterans also receive separate ratings for neuropathy, retinopathy, and kidney disease when criteria are met.
Diagnostic Code
7913
Diabetes Ratings & 2026 Pay (veteran alone)
Dollar amounts are the single-condition 2026 monthly rates for that percentage (before combined math). Always verify current rates on VA.gov.
Most severe: frequent insulin, regulation, hospitalizations, weight loss, weakness (see regulation text)
$3,938.58/mo
Insulin + diet + activity regulation + severe episodes / complications per schedule
$1,435.02/mo
Insulin + diet + regulation + hospitalizations or frequent visits + major complication
$795.84/mo
Insulin + restricted diet + regulation of activities
$356.66/mo
Insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent + restricted diet
$180.42/mo
Managed by restricted diet only
$0
Agent Orange: Type 2 diabetes mellitus may be presumptively service connected for qualifying Vietnam / herbicide exposure veterans—verify current presumptive rules.
Complete regulatory criteria, CFR citations, and official rating notes
Three Compensation Scenarios
10% diabetes (oral meds + diet)
Metformin or similar + dietary restriction per treating notes.
$180.42/mo
2026 base • no dependents
40% diabetes + secondaries
Approx. combined
60%
Monthly schedular
$1,435.02/mo
SMC-K adds on top when awarded; verify your decision.
60% diabetes + 50% OSA + 30% migraines
Typical combined
90%
Monthly total
$2,362.30/mo
Evidence Requirements
Treatment records & HbA1c
Diagnosis, longitudinal glucose control, medication changes, diet orders.
Medication evidence
Pharmacy printouts for insulin, orals, GLP-1, SGLT2, etc.
Hospitalization records
Hypoglycemia, DKA, HHNK—needed for higher ratings when frequent.
Complication testing
Eye exams, eGFR/urine albumin, nerve studies—supports separate complication ratings.
Activity regulation notes
For 20%+, physician should document avoiding strenuous occupational/recreational activities when true.
Secondary Conditions
👁️ Retinopathy
STRONGDC 6081 • Annual eye exams document severity
🫘 Nephropathy
STRONGDC 7541 • Labs show declining kidney function
🦶 Peripheral neuropathy
STRONGDC 8521+ • Numbness, pain, EMG findings
❤️ Heart / PAD
STRONGDC 7000+ • Accelerated vascular disease
🚻 ED
STRONGDC 7522 • Autonomic/vascular effects
🧠 Depression
MODERATEDC 9434 • Chronic disease burden
Claim Timeline
Records pull
Endocrine + pharmacy + hospitalizations
Complication screens
Eyes, kidneys, nerves, feet
File / increase
7913 + separate complication claims
C&P
Bring medication list; clarify insulin/orals
Secondaries & SMC
ED, neuropathy, retinopathy as supported
What Gets You Higher Ratings
10% → 20%
Show insulin requirement plus regulation of activities—not just that you take insulin.
20% → 40%+
Hospitalizations for hypo/DKA, frequent visits, or major complications per the rating criteria—document with dates and diagnoses.
Separate ratings for complications
Neuropathy, vision, and kidney issues may be separately compensable—don’t assume they’re “included” unless your decision says so.
Common Mistakes
Understating treatment
C&P answers must match pharmacy records for insulin/orals.
No hospitalization records
DKA/hypoglycemia admissions help higher ratings.
Not claiming complications
Separate evaluations can exceed diabetes % alone.
Wrong presumptive assumption
Herbicide rules have eligibility requirements—confirm yours.
FAQs
▸ Are complications “pyramided” into diabetes?
Many complications receive separate evaluations when they meet distinct diagnostic criteria—see DC 7913 notes and individual organ schedules.
▸ Do GLP-1 drugs count like insulin?
Treatment classification follows what the schedule and rating criteria say about hypoglycemic management— bring pharmacy documentation and let the examiner record exact therapy.
▸ Can I get TDIU from diabetes alone?
If your SC disabilities (including complications) prevent substantially gainful employment, TDIU may be considered—usually with strong vocational evidence.
DC Reference & Tools
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.
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