Diabetes Mellitus, Type II
Agent Orange presumptive. Triggers cascade of secondaries: neuropathy, ED, retinopathy, kidney disease.
VA rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | 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 |
| 60% | Requiring 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 |
| 40% | Requiring insulin, restricted diet, and regulation of activities |
| 20% | Requiring insulin and restricted diet, or; oral hypoglycemic agent and restricted diet |
| 10% | Manageable by restricted diet only |
Common secondaries from this condition
If Diabetes Mellitus, Type II is service-connected, these are conditions worth investigating as secondaries (caused or aggravated by it).
Erectile Dysfunction
Almost always rated 0% — but unlocks SMC-K ($139.87/mo for life). Easiest path is secondary to mental health or diabetes.
Peripheral Neuropathy, Lower Extremity
Sensory/motor nerve dysfunction in legs/feet. Most common secondary to diabetes. Each side rated separately. Bilateral factor applies.
Peripheral Neuropathy, Upper Extremity
Upper extremity nerve dysfunction. Common secondary to diabetes. Each arm rated separately.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Retinal damage from diabetes. Almost always secondary to service-connected diabetes.
Hypertension
High blood pressure. PACT Act added for Vietnam veterans. Common as secondary to PTSD, sleep apnea, diabetes.
Filing this claim
If you have qualifying service for the Agent Orange / Chronic disease 1-year presumption, you don't need a nexus letter — file as a primary claim with proof of qualifying service and your current diagnosis. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Gather proof of qualifying service (DD-214, deployment records, etc.) — no nexus letter needed.
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.119. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.