Condition Guide · Agent Orange presumptive

Diabetes (Type 2) VA rating 2026 — 38 CFR §4.119 DC 7913

Updated June 2026 · CFR source: 38 CFR §4.119

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a VA presumptive condition for herbicide-exposed veterans (Agent Orange, PACT Act qualifying exposures). It is rated under DC 7913 based on treatment requirements. Beyond the diabetes rating itself, secondary complications — neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy — can each be rated separately, making diabetes one of the highest-potential-impact conditions for combined ratings.

Rating schedule — DC 7913

Rating	2026 monthly	Criteria
100%	$3,938.58	Requiring more than one daily insulin injection, restricted diet, and regulation of activities WITH episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia requiring ≥3 hospitalizations per year or weekly provider visits, PLUS progressive loss of weight/strength or separately compensable complications.
60%	$1,435.02	Requiring insulin, restricted diet, and activity regulation WITH ketoacidosis/hypoglycemia requiring 1–2 hospitalizations/year or twice-monthly provider visits, plus non-compensable complications.
40%	$795.84	Requiring insulin, restricted diet, AND regulation of activities.
20%	$356.66	Requiring insulin and restricted diet; or oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet.
10%	$180.42	Manageable by restricted diet only.

Presumptive service connection

Type 2 diabetes requires no nexus letter for veterans with qualifying herbicide exposure:

Vietnam era veterans who set foot in Vietnam or served on qualifying ships (Blue Water Navy under PACT Act) receive presumptive service connection.
Korea veterans who served in the Korean DMZ between September 1967 and August 1971.
Post-9/11 veterans with documented burn pit or toxic exposure under PACT Act provisions.

C&P exam — what to bring and document

The diabetes C&P exam focuses on treatment requirements and functional impact. Prepare as follows:

Insulin records. Bring documentation of current insulin prescriptions — type, dosage, and frequency of injections. Whether insulin is required (and how many injections per day) is the primary driver of your rating tier under DC 7913.
Dietary restrictions. Be prepared to describe your prescribed dietary restrictions — a physician-directed restricted diet is a required element for 20%+ ratings. Bring notes from your endocrinologist or primary care physician documenting the dietary treatment plan.
Activity log and restrictions. A 40% rating requires insulin, restricted diet, AND regulation of activities. Bring records or physician notes stating you must avoid strenuous work or recreation due to diabetes management requirements.
Hospitalization history. Records of any diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hypoglycemic episodes requiring hospitalization support ratings of 60%–100%.
Complication records. Bring all records documenting diabetic complications — neuropathy test results, ophthalmology exam records for retinopathy, kidney function labs for nephropathy. Each complication supports a separate additional rating.
A1c and glucose logs. Recent lab results and glucose monitoring logs document the overall management picture and severity.

Secondary conditions — each separately ratable

Diabetes causes multiple complications that qualify for separate ratings:

Complication	Diagnostic code
Peripheral neuropathy (both feet/legs)	DC 8520 — sciatic (bilateral factor may apply)
Diabetic retinopathy	DC 6006
Diabetic nephropathy / renal disease	DC 7500–7541
Erectile dysfunction	DC 7522 (SMC-K may apply)
Ischemic heart disease	DC 7005

Each secondary condition adds to your combined rating. A veteran with 40% diabetes + bilateral peripheral neuropathy 20%/20% (bilateral bonus applied) can reach 60%+ combined, potentially qualifying for TDIU.

Calculate diabetes + complications →

FAQ

Is Type 2 diabetes presumptive for Agent Orange exposure veterans?

Yes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a VA presumptive condition for veterans exposed to herbicides (Agent Orange) during Vietnam-era service, and for veterans who served in qualifying locations under the PACT Act. Service connection can be established without proving a direct nexus if qualifying exposure is confirmed.

What is the minimum rating for diabetes requiring insulin?

40% is the minimum for diabetes requiring insulin, restricted diet, AND regulation of activities. If insulin is required without the activity restriction, the rating is 20%. The regulation of activities requirement means the diabetes forces avoidance of strenuous work or recreation.

Can I get separate ratings for diabetes complications?

Yes. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, and erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes can each be rated separately under their own diagnostic codes in addition to the diabetes rating itself. These secondary conditions represent separate disabilities.

If my diabetes is well-controlled with medication, does my rating decrease?

Not necessarily. DC 7913 rates based on treatment requirements (insulin, diet, activity restrictions), not solely on how well-controlled your blood sugar is. A veteran requiring insulin to control diabetes retains at least a 20%–40% rating regardless of how well the medication works.