VA Disability Rating for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Rated 10–100% by treatment regimen and complications. Agent Orange presumptive.
Type 2 diabetes (DC 7913) is rated by the intensity of the treatment regimen — diet only is 10%, insulin + regulation of activities gets 40%+. Diabetes is presumptive under Agent Orange (38 USC § 1116) for qualifying Vietnam-era service.
Presumptive framework applies
Agent Orange presumptive (38 USC § 1116) for qualifying Vietnam-era service: Vietnam in-country or territorial waters 1962–1975, Thai bases, Korean DMZ 1967–1971, Laos, Cambodia, Guam, American Samoa, Johnston Atoll.
Check my presumptive eligibility →Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Manageable by restricted diet only. |
| 20% | $356.66 | Requires insulin and restricted diet, OR oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet. |
| 40% | $795.84 | Requires insulin, restricted diet, AND regulation of activities. |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | Above, plus episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring one or two hospitalizations/year, or twice-monthly visits to a diabetic care provider. |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | Above, plus progressive weight loss and strength, or complications that would be compensable if separately evaluated. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 20%: $356.66/mo · $4,280/year, tax-free
- →At 40%: $795.84/mo · $9,550/year, tax-free
- →At 60%: $1,435.02/mo · $17,220/year, tax-free
- →At 100%: $3,938.58/mo · $47,263/year, tax-free
How to get rated for type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Current A1C and treatment regimen documented.
- Vietnam-era vets (1962–1975): file under Agent Orange presumption — cite 38 USC § 1116.
- Document complications: neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy — these are SEPARATELY rated.
Common secondary conditions
- +Peripheral neuropathy
- +Retinopathy
- +Kidney disease
- +Erectile dysfunction
- +Hypertension
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Agent Orange: cite the presumption. No nexus letter needed.
- Always claim complications (neuropathy, retinopathy) separately — they can double the combined rating.
Frequently asked
Is Type 1 diabetes presumptive?
No — only Type 2 is on the Agent Orange presumptive list.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.