The VA rates Type 2 diabetes at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 100% under Diagnostic Code 7913, based on whether you control it by diet, oral medication, insulin, and how much your activity must be regulated. Type 2 diabetes is a long-standing presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Its real weight comes from complications — peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney disease, and erectile dysfunction — each separately ratable as secondary conditions.
Diagnostic code
DC 7913
How the rating works
10% = managed by restricted diet only; 20% = oral medication and restricted diet; 40% = insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities; 60% = insulin, restricted diet, regulated activities plus episodes of ketoacidosis/hypoglycemia requiring hospitalization; 100% = more than one daily insulin injection, strict diet and activity regulation, with frequent hospitalizations and progressive complications.
Secondary conditions to watch for
These are commonly connected to type 2 diabetes — each can be rated on top of it with a medical nexus. Most veterans leave these on the table.
Peripheral neuropathy
Nerve damage in the feet/hands, rated per affected nerve and limb.
Retinopathy
Diabetic eye disease, rated separately.
Kidney (renal) condition
Diabetic nephropathy is separately ratable.
Erectile dysfunction
A recognized complication that may add special monthly compensation.
Evidence that wins this claim
- A diagnosis and treatment record showing how diabetes is managed (diet, oral meds, insulin).
- For Agent Orange: proof of qualifying herbicide exposure.
- Records of any complications for secondary claims.
- A nexus opinion for each secondary condition.
Type 2 diabetes — frequently asked questions
- Is Type 2 diabetes presumptive for Agent Orange?
- Yes. Type 2 diabetes is a presumptive condition for veterans with qualifying herbicide (Agent Orange) exposure, so eligible veterans don’t have to prove the service connection.
- How is diabetes rated by the VA?
- Under DC 7913 at 10% to 100%, based on whether it’s controlled by diet, oral medication, or insulin, and how much activity must be regulated — plus complications.
- What are the secondary conditions to diabetes?
- Peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney disease, and erectile dysfunction are the most common — each can be rated in addition to the diabetes itself.
Updated June 2026. Ratings come from the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4); your exact rating depends on the medical evidence. Educational information, not medical or legal advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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