Diabetes Secondary to Pancreatitis

DC 7913Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7913

Diabetes that develops after your pancreas is damaged by pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Pancreatitis can be caused by alcohol use, gallstones, medications, or abdominal trauma during service. When the pancreas is damaged, it cannot make enough insulin. The VA rates this the same as other diabetes — based on what treatment you need and how it affects your daily life.

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 pancreatitis-related diabetes requires insulin, 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 pancreatic insufficiency documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing the link between pancreatitis and diabetes — you need medical evidence showing your pancreas was damaged by pancreatitis and that the damage caused your diabetes. A nexus letter from an endocrinologist is very helpful.
⚠Not documenting the pancreatitis service connection first — if your pancreatitis is not yet service-connected, you need to establish that before claiming diabetes as secondary.
⚠Not understanding "regulation of activities" — this must be documented by a doctor who restricts your physical activities due to blood sugar instability. Self-imposed restrictions do not count.
⚠Not filing for secondary complications — pancreatitis-related diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney disease, and erectile dysfunction, each rated separately.
⚠Not documenting pancreatic enzyme insufficiency — many veterans with pancreatitic damage also need enzyme supplements. This is separate from the diabetes rating and may warrant additional compensation.

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 Secondary to Pancreatitis

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 pancreatic insufficiency documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing the link between pancreatitis and diabetes — you need medical evidence showing your pancreas was damaged by pancreatitis and that the damage caused your diabetes. A nexus letter from an endocrinologist is very helpful.

⚠Not documenting the pancreatitis service connection first — if your pancreatitis is not yet service-connected, you need to establish that before claiming diabetes as secondary.

⚠Not understanding "regulation of activities" — this must be documented by a doctor who restricts your physical activities due to blood sugar instability. Self-imposed restrictions do not count.

⚠Not filing for secondary complications — pancreatitis-related diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney disease, and erectile dysfunction, each rated separately.

⚠Not documenting pancreatic enzyme insufficiency — many veterans with pancreatitic damage also need enzyme supplements. This is separate from the diabetes rating and may warrant additional compensation.