Drug-Induced Diabetes Mellitus

DC 7913Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7913

Diabetes caused by medications taken during military service, such as steroids or atypical antipsychotics. The VA rates drug-induced diabetes the same way it rates type 2 diabetes, based on the 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 drug-induced 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 diabetic complications (retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing the connection between the military medication and diabetes — you need medical records showing which medication caused the diabetes (corticosteroids, atypical antipsychotics, fluoroquinolones, etc.) and a doctor's opinion linking them.
⚠Not understanding that "regulation of activities" must be documented by a physician — you cannot self-restrict activities for rating purposes. Your doctor must write that you need to limit physical activity due to blood sugar instability.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — drug-induced diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, erectile dysfunction, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease, each rated separately.
⚠Not documenting every hypoglycemic episode and hospitalization — the number of hospitalizations and doctor visits per year directly determines the rating level.

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…

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 establishing the connection between the military medication and diabetes — you need medical records showing which medication caused the diabetes (corticosteroids, atypical antipsychotics, fluoroquinolones, etc.) and a doctor's opinion linking them.

⚠Not understanding that "regulation of activities" must be documented by a physician — you cannot self-restrict activities for rating purposes. Your doctor must write that you need to limit physical activity due to blood sugar instability.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — drug-induced diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, erectile dysfunction, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease, each rated separately.

⚠Not documenting every hypoglycemic episode and hospitalization — the number of hospitalizations and doctor visits per year directly determines the rating level.