Diabetes Type 2, Agent Orange Presumptive

DC 7913Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7913

Type 2 diabetes that is presumptively connected to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange) during military service. If you served in Vietnam, Thailand, or other areas where herbicides were used and you develop type 2 diabetes, the VA presumes your diabetes is service-connected. You do not need to prove a direct link. The VA rates this based on what treatment you need.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 7913

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.119, DC 7913. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your diabetes requires multiple daily insulin injections, restricted diet, regulation of activities, and you have episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions needing at least 3 hospitalizations per year or weekly doctor visits, plus progressive weight loss and strength loss.

What the VA looks for

Multiple daily insulin injections required
At least 3 hospitalizations per year for diabetes
Weekly diabetic care provider visits
Progressive weight loss documented
Progressive strength loss documented
Severe diabetic complications (retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not knowing that presumptive service connection means you do NOT need a nexus letter — if you served in a qualifying location and have type 2 diabetes, the VA presumes it is service-connected. Do not waste time and money on a nexus opinion.
⚠Not verifying your qualifying service location — check your DD-214, personnel records, and unit history. Qualifying locations include Vietnam (1962-1975), Thailand (specific bases), certain test/storage sites, and C-123 aircraft crews.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — Agent Orange diabetes often leads to peripheral neuropathy (upper and lower extremities), retinopathy, kidney disease, erectile dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease. Each is rated separately and can significantly increase your combined rating.
⚠Not understanding "regulation of activities" — this must be prescribed by a doctor, not self-imposed. Your physician must document that you need to avoid strenuous activity due to blood sugar instability.
⚠Not documenting every hospitalization and doctor visit — the number of hospitalizations and care provider visits per year directly determines whether you get 60% or 100%.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Diabetes Mellitus

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Diabetes Type 2, Agent Orange Presumptive

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7913

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Multiple daily insulin injections required
At least 3 hospitalizations per year for diabetes
Weekly diabetic care provider visits
Progressive weight loss documented
Progressive strength loss documented
Severe diabetic complications (retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not knowing that presumptive service connection means you do NOT need a nexus letter — if you served in a qualifying location and have type 2 diabetes, the VA presumes it is service-connected. Do not waste time and money on a nexus opinion.

⚠Not verifying your qualifying service location — check your DD-214, personnel records, and unit history. Qualifying locations include Vietnam (1962-1975), Thailand (specific bases), certain test/storage sites, and C-123 aircraft crews.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — Agent Orange diabetes often leads to peripheral neuropathy (upper and lower extremities), retinopathy, kidney disease, erectile dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease. Each is rated separately and can significantly increase your combined rating.

⚠Not understanding "regulation of activities" — this must be prescribed by a doctor, not self-imposed. Your physician must document that you need to avoid strenuous activity due to blood sugar instability.

⚠Not documenting every hospitalization and doctor visit — the number of hospitalizations and care provider visits per year directly determines whether you get 60% or 100%.