Endocrine DC: 7913

Diabetes Mellitus Type II

Diabetes causes numerous secondary complications affecting multiple body systems.

6 known secondary conditions

Secondary Conditions

The following conditions may be claimed as secondary to Diabetes Mellitus Type II:

Peripheral Neuropathy

DC: 8520/8521 Max Rating: 80% per extremity
Caused By Established Link

Medical Connection

High blood sugar damages peripheral nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in extremities.

Evidence Tips

  • EMG/nerve conduction studies
  • Documentation of symptoms
  • Each extremity rated separately
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Coronary Artery Disease

DC: 7005 Max Rating: 100%
Caused By Established Link

Medical Connection

Diabetes significantly accelerates atherosclerosis and increases risk of heart disease.

Evidence Tips

  • Cardiac testing (stress test, echo, catheterization)
  • Medical records documenting CAD diagnosis
  • Research on diabetes and cardiovascular disease
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Hypertension

DC: 7101 Max Rating: 60%
Caused By Established Link

Medical Connection

Diabetes damages blood vessels and kidneys, contributing to elevated blood pressure.

Evidence Tips

  • Blood pressure records
  • Medication documentation
  • Kidney function tests
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Kidney Disease (Nephropathy)

DC: 7541 Max Rating: 100%
Caused By Established Link

Medical Connection

Diabetic nephropathy is a common complication caused by damage to kidney blood vessels.

Evidence Tips

  • Kidney function tests (eGFR, creatinine)
  • Urinalysis showing protein
  • Nephrology evaluation
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Vision Problems (Retinopathy)

DC: 6006 Max Rating: 100%
Caused By Established Link

Medical Connection

Diabetic retinopathy damages blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision impairment.

Evidence Tips

  • Ophthalmology evaluation
  • Retinal imaging
  • Documentation of vision changes
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Erectile Dysfunction

DC: 7522 Max Rating: SMC-K
Caused By Established Link

Medical Connection

Diabetes damages blood vessels and nerves involved in erectile function.

Evidence Tips

  • Urology evaluation
  • Note: Qualifies for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K)
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Tips for Filing Secondary Claims

  • Get a nexus letter: A medical opinion specifically stating your secondary condition is "at least as likely as not" caused by or aggravated by your primary condition is crucial.
  • Document the timeline: Show when your secondary condition developed relative to your primary condition. Earlier development strengthens the connection.
  • Include research: Medical studies showing the connection between conditions can support your claim. Your doctor can reference these in their nexus letter.
  • Be specific on VA Form 21-526EZ: When describing your condition, explicitly state it is "secondary to [your primary condition]" to ensure proper processing.

Next Steps

Create Evidence Checklist

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