How the VA Rates Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7913 criteria a VA rater evaluates Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
Diagnostic code 7913
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7913 for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.
10%
$180.42/month
Manageable by restricted diet only — no medication required; OR requiring insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent, or restricted diet, with no other complications.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Diet-controlled or medication-controlled diabetes
- No significant complications
- Requires monitoring but stable
20%
$356.66/month
Requires insulin and restricted diet; OR oral hypoglycemic drug and restricted diet.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Requires insulin injections or oral agents plus dietary restriction
- Regular glucose monitoring required
- Occasional hypoglycemic episodes
40%
$795.84/month
Requires insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities. OR has episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring one or two hospitalizations per year, or twice a month visits to a diabetic care provider.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Requires insulin plus activity restriction
- Hypoglycemic or DKA episodes requiring hospitalization
- Frequent provider visits for glucose management
- Activity limited by blood sugar instability
60%
$1,435.02/month
Requires insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring at least three hospitalizations per year or weekly visits to a diabetic care provider; OR progressive loss of weight and strength.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- 3+ hospitalizations per year for diabetic complications
- Weekly provider visits for glycemic control
- Weight loss and muscle wasting
- Severely unstable despite intensive management
100%
$3,938.58/month
Requires more than one daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities; with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring one or two hospitalizations per year or twice a month visits to a diabetic care provider, plus progressive loss of weight and strength.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Multiple daily insulin injections
- Progressive weight and strength loss
- Frequent hospitalizations or provider visits
- Severe complications: neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, PAD
The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.
The evidence that matters most
Documentation showing 'regulation of activities' — a provider's written statement that physical activity must be restricted to control blood sugar is the hinge between 20% and 40%
C&P exam tips for Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
- Diabetes is an Agent Orange presumptive for Vietnam-era veterans and certain other herbicide exposures — claim it as presumptive if applicable.
- Document all complications separately as secondary conditions: peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, nephropathy, retinopathy, peripheral arterial disease.
- Bring all endocrinology records and A1C history.
- Document hospitalizations for DKA or hypoglycemia — frequency determines the rating tier.
- Activity restriction is key — describe how your diabetes limits what you can do daily.
Common mistakes on Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 claims
- Not claiming secondary conditions — diabetes causes neuropathy, kidney disease, eye disease, heart disease, and erectile dysfunction, all ratable separately.
- Not establishing Agent Orange or other toxic exposure presumptive when eligible.
- Not documenting hospitalization frequency — this is a critical rating trigger.
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for Diabetes Mellitus Type 2?
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7913 — diagnostic code 7913.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for Diabetes Mellitus Type 2?
100% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. The criteria at that level describe: Requires more than one daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities; with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring one or two hospitalizations per year or twice a month visits to a diabetic care provider, plus progressive loss of weight and strength.
How much does a 100% VA rating for Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 pay in 2026?
$3,938.58 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.
Build your Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 claim documentation
Your first claim builds free, on screen — a personal statement mapped to these criteria and a cited draft medical opinion. No card to sign up.
Start your claim — freeEducational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.