VA Disability Rating for Diabetes

Living with diabetes is hard enough without having to fight the VA for the benefits you deserve. Every day, veterans like you struggle with insulin injections, strict diets, and worrying about blood sugar levels. And now you’re faced with navigating the VA’s complex rating system to get fair compensation for this life-changing condition.

We know how overwhelming it can feel. That’s why we’ve created this clear guide to help you understand your rights and get the full benefits you deserve for your service-connected diabetes.

Types of Diabetes the VA Recognizes

The VA rates two main types of diabetes:

1. Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2)
2. Diabetes Insipidus

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form in veterans, especially those exposed to Agent Orange during service. Let’s break down how the VA rates each type and what that means for your benefits.

VA Ratings for Diabetes Mellitus

The VA uses different rating levels based on how severe your diabetes is and what kind of treatment you need. Here’s what each rating means in plain language:

100% Rating

You need this level if:

• You take insulin more than once a day
• You’re on a restricted diet
• You can’t do strenuous activities
• You’ve been hospitalized at least three times a year for severe episodes
• You need to see your doctor weekly
• You’re losing weight and strength

60% Rating

You qualify if:

• You take insulin at least once daily
• You’re on a restricted diet
• You can’t do strenuous activities
• You’ve been hospitalized once or twice a year
• You see your doctor twice a month

40% Rating

You can get this if:

• You take insulin daily
• You’re on a restricted diet
• You have to limit your activities

20% Rating

This applies when:

• You take insulin or diabetes pills
• You’re on a restricted diet

10% Rating

This is for diabetes that you can control with diet alone.

Agent Orange and Diabetes: What You Need to Know

Here’s some good news – if you have Type 2 diabetes and served in certain places during specific times, the VA automatically assumes your diabetes is connected to your service. This is called a “presumptive condition,” and it makes getting benefits easier.

You qualify if you served in:

• Vietnam between January 1962 and May 1975
• The Korean DMZ between September 1967 and August 1971
• Areas where Agent Orange was stored or tested

You don’t have to prove your diabetes was caused by Agent Orange – you just need to show you served in these places and have a current diagnosis.

Getting More Benefits: Secondary Conditions

Diabetes often causes other health problems, and you deserve compensation for these too. Some common related conditions include:

• Nerve damage (neuropathy) causing pain and numbness
• Kidney problems
• Eye disease (retinopathy)
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Skin problems
• Foot problems

Each of these conditions can qualify for its own separate rating, which could increase your overall benefits.

How to Win Your Diabetes Claim

To get the benefits you deserve, you’ll need:

1. Medical Evidence
   1. Your diabetes diagnosis
   2. Treatment records showing what medications you take
   3. Doctor’s notes about diet restrictions
   4. Hospital records if you’ve had severe episodes
   5. Blood sugar readings and A1C test results
2. Service Connection Proof
   1. Military records showing where you served
   2. Medical evidence linking your diabetes to service
   3. For Agent Orange cases, proof you served in exposure areas
3. Impact Evidence
   1. Notes about how diabetes affects your daily life
   2. Records of work limitations
   3. Documentation of activity restrictions

Winning your diabetes claim requires thorough documentation and a clear connection to your service. By gathering the right medical records, service connection evidence, and proof of the impact on your daily life, you can build a strong case.

Denied VA Benefits for Diabetes? We Can Help.

Fighting the VA’s decision on your diabetes claim can feel overwhelming. After receiving a denial or low rating, many veterans don’t know where to turn or what evidence they need to win their appeal.

At ProVet Legal, we’ve helped countless veterans successfully appeal their denied diabetes claims. We know exactly what the VA is looking for and how to present your case in a way they’ll understand.

Don’t let a denial or low rating stop you from getting the benefits you deserve. Our team knows how to navigate the appeals process and will fight to get you every dollar of compensation for your service-connected diabetes.

Contact us today for a case review. You served our country with honor – now let us serve you by fighting for your appeal.