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Diabetes mellitus
Diagnostic code 7913 · Endocrine system · 38 CFR 4.119
Rating criteria: the exact regulation text
Quoted from 38 CFR 4.119. The "Rating" column is the percentage VA assigns for that level.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7913 Diabetes mellitus: | |
| Requiring more than one daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities (avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities) with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring at least three hospitalizations per year or weekly visits to a diabetic care provider, plus either progressive loss of weight and strength or complications that would be compensable if separately evaluated | 100 |
| Requiring one or more 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 complications that would not be compensable if separately evaluated | 60 |
| Requiring one or more daily injection of insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities | 40 |
| Requiring one or more daily injection of insulin and restricted diet, or; oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet | 20 |
| Manageable by restricted diet only | 10 |
| Note (1): Evaluate compensable complications of diabetes separately unless they are part of the criteria used to support a 100-percent evaluation. Noncompensable complications are considered part of the diabetic process under DC 7913. | |
| Note (2): When diabetes mellitus has been conclusively diagnosed, do not request a glucose tolerance test solely for rating purposes. |
Where else the regulation mentions this code
These lines appear under other codes or headings in the schedule and name this code.
Note (2): Separately rate endocrine dysfunction resulting in diabetes due to pancreatic insufficiency under DC 7913 (Diabetes mellitus).
Following total or partial pancreatectomy, evaluate under Pancreatitis, chronic (DC 7347), Chronic complications of upper gastrointestinal surgery (DC 7303), or based on residuals such as malabsorption (Intestine, small, resection of, DC 7328), diarrhea (Irritable bowel syndrome, DC 7319, or Crohn's disease or undifferentiated form of inflammatory bowel disease, DC 7326), or diabetes (DC 7913), whichever provides the highest evaluation
Related codes in the regulation
- 7347 Pancreatitis, chronicMentioned together
- 7357 Post pancreatectomy syndromeMentioned together
The VA exam form for this condition
VA examiners record their findings on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). Reading it shows you what the exam will measure and ask.
Rules that apply to this body system
Where this comes from
38 CFR 4.119, VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, from the official eCFR.
Regulation text current as of October 16, 2026.
Change history for this code (38 CFR Part 4, Appendix A): Criterion September 9, 1975; criterion August 13, 1981; criterion June 6, 1996; evaluation June 9, 1996; criterion December 10, 2017; note December 10, 2017.
Read it on eCFR.govInformation, not advice
This page shows the text of VA's rating regulation for information. It is not a rating estimate, and it is not legal or medical advice. VA decides every rating on the evidence in your file.
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