Diabetes type 2
Diabetes mellitus. Diagnostic Code 7913.
Overview
Type 2 diabetes affects how the body uses sugar for energy. VA rates it mainly on the treatment needed, such as diet, oral medication, or insulin, and on related limits.
How VA rates it
Diagnostic Code 7913 · 38 CFR 4.119
Here is a plain language summary of the rating levels in the regulation. Read the official text for the exact wording.
| Rating | Summary of the criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | More than one daily insulin injection, restricted diet, and regulation of activities, with frequent hospitalizations or weekly provider visits, plus weight and strength loss or compensable complications. |
| 60% | Insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities, with one or two hospitalizations per year or twice monthly provider visits, plus non compensable complications. |
| 40% | Insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities. |
| 20% | Insulin and restricted diet, or oral medication and restricted diet. |
| 10% | Manageable by restricted diet only. |
The regulation says to rate compensable complications separately.
Common secondary connections
These are conditions often discussed in connection with Diabetes type 2. A secondary claim generally needs medical evidence that one condition caused or worsened another. This list is general education, not a suggestion about any claim.
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Erectile dysfunction
- Kidney, eye, and heart conditions
- Hypertension
Presumptive notes
VA lists diabetes mellitus type 2 as an Agent Orange presumptive condition. Read the full eligibility rules on VA.gov.
Evidence veterans generally gather
VA describes evidence types in its evidence guide. For this condition, veterans often collect:
- Lab results and diagnosis
- Medication and insulin records
- Service records showing qualifying locations
- A current diagnosis from a medical provider
- Service treatment records and personnel records
- VA and private treatment records
- Statements from you, family, or fellow service members (lay statements)
- A Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) completed by a provider, if available
Official source
Rating levels: 38 CFR 4.119 on eCFR. Rules change; always confirm the current text.
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