What can I claim secondary to diabetes mellitus?
73 conditions in the Repatriation Medical Authority's Statements of Principles list diabetes mellitus as a factor. If DVA has accepted your diabetes mellitus, each of these has a documented pathway to a further claim.
At a glance
- Accepted conditionDiabetes mellitus
- Conditions it may open73
- SourceRMA SoPs
- Chart Review$600 + GST
How a secondary claim works
Some Statement of Principles factors are not about service at all — they name another condition. Where DVA has already accepted your diabetes mellitus, and another condition's SoP lists diabetes mellitus as a factor, that part of the next claim is already established on your file. How a secondary claim works, in full →
Conditions that list diabetes mellitus as a factor
Quoted from the instrument. A pathway existing is not the same as a claim succeeding — each factor carries thresholds your record has to satisfy.
Achilles tendinopathy
RH No. 86 of 2024 · BoP No. 87 of 2024
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (12): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of clinical onset or clinical worsening” [onset and worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (11): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of clinical onset or clinical worsening” [onset and worsening]
Acquired cataract
RH No. 87 of 2016 · BoP No. 88 of 2016
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (3): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of acquired cataract” [clinical onset] — factor (17): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of acquired cataract” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (3): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of acquired cataract” [clinical onset] — factor (16): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of acquired cataract” [worsening]
Acute pancreatitis
RH No. 5 of 2020 · BoP No. 6 of 2020
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (14): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of acute pancreatitis” [clinical onset]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (14): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of acute pancreatitis” [clinical onset]
Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder
RH No. 72 of 2020 · BoP No. 73 of 2020
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (6): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder” [clinical onset] — factor (17): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (6): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder” [clinical onset] — factor (15): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder” [worsening]
Alzheimer disease
RH No. 33 of 2019 · BoP No. 34 of 2019
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (7): “having diabetes mellitus for at least the ten years before the clinical onset of Alzheimer disease” [clinical onset]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (5): “having diabetes mellitus for at least the ten years before the clinical onset of Alzheimer disease” [clinical onset]
Anosmia
RH No. 19 of 2021 · BoP No. 20 of 2021
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (9): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of anosmia” [clinical onset]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Aortic stenosis
RH No. 13 of 2022 · BoP No. 14 of 2022
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (6): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of aortic stenosis” [clinical onset] — factor (18): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of aortic stenosis” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (6): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of aortic stenosis” [clinical onset] — factor (16): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of aortic stenosis” [worsening]
Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter
RH No. 1 of 2023 · BoP No. 2 of 2023
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (25): “having diabetes mellitus for at least the 5 years before the clinical onset of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter” [clinical onset] — factor (69): “having diabetes mellitus for at least the 5 years before the clinical worsening of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (25): “having diabetes mellitus for at least the 5 years before the clinical onset of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter” [clinical onset] — factor (62): “having diabetes mellitus for at least the 5 years before the clinical worsening of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter” [worsening]
Blepharitis
RH No. 29 of 2019 · BoP No. 30 of 2019
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (15): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of blepharitis” [clinical onset] — factor (31): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of blepharitis” [worsening]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Carotid artery disease
RH No. 54 of 2020 · BoP No. 55 of 2020
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (2): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of carotid artery disease” [clinical onset] — factor (27): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of carotid artery disease” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (2): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of carotid artery disease” [clinical onset] — factor (21): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of carotid artery disease” [worsening]
Carpal tunnel syndrome
RH No. 93 of 2021 · BoP No. 94 of 2021
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (14): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of carpal tunnel syndrome” [clinical onset] — factor (31): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of carpal tunnel syndrome” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (13): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of carpal tunnel syndrome” [clinical onset] — factor (29): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of carpal tunnel syndrome” [worsening]
Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
RH No. 45 of 2024 · BoP No. 46 of 2024
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (23): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of clinical onset” [clinical onset]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (20): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of clinical onset” [clinical onset]
Cholelithiasis
RH No. 51 of 2016 · BoP No. 52 of 2016
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (12): “having type 2 diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of cholelithiasis” [clinical onset] — factor (35): “having type 2 diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of cholelithiasis” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (10): “having type 2 diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of cholelithiasis” [clinical onset] — factor (30): “having type 2 diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of cholelithiasis; Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986” [worsening]
Note: type 2 diabetes mellitus is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.
Colorectal adenoma
RH No. 15 of 2022 · BoP No. 16 of 2022
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (4): “having diabetes mellitus for at least 5 years before the clinical onset of colorectal adenoma” [clinical onset]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (4): “having diabetes mellitus for at least 5 years before the clinical onset of colorectal adenoma” [clinical onset]
Conjunctivitis
RH No. 76 of 2020 · BoP No. 77 of 2020
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (8): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of conjunctivitis” [clinical onset] — factor (26): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of conjunctivitis” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (8): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of conjunctivitis” [clinical onset] — factor (26): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of conjunctivitis” [worsening]
Deep vein thrombosis
RH No. 35 of 2021 · BoP No. 36 of 2021
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (19): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of deep vein thrombosis” [clinical onset]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (15): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of deep vein thrombosis” [clinical onset]
Dental pulp and periapical disease
RH No. 99 of 2021 · BoP No. 100 of 2021
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (7): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of dental pulp and periapical disease” [clinical onset] — factor (16): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of dental pulp and periapical disease” [worsening]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Diverticular disease of the colon
RH No. 51 of 2025 · BoP No. 52 of 2025
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (3): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of clinical onset or clinical worsening of diverticular bleeding” [onset and worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (2): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of clinical onset or clinical worsening of diverticular bleeding” [onset and worsening]
Duodenal ulcer and duodenal erosion
RH No. 49 of 2024 · BoP No. 50 of 2024
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (23): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of clinical onset or clinical worsening” [onset and worsening]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Dupuytren disease
RH No. 9 of 2019 · BoP No. 10 of 2019
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (9): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of Dupuytren disease” [clinical onset] — factor (22): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of Dupuytren disease” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (9): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of Dupuytren disease” [clinical onset] — factor (20): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of Dupuytren disease” [worsening]
Eating disorder
RH No. 15 of 2025 · BoP No. 16 of 2025
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (10): “having type 1 diabetes mellitus for at least the 3 months before clinical onset or clinical worsening of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder” [onset and worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (7): “having type 1 diabetes mellitus for at least the 3 months before clinical onset or clinical worsening of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder” [onset and worsening]
Epilepsy
RH No. 84 of 2022 · BoP No. 85 of 2022
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (17): “having type 1 diabetes mellitus or type 2 diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of epilepsy” [clinical onset] — factor (38): “having type 1 diabetes mellitus or type 2 diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of epilepsy” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (17): “having type 1 diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of epilepsy” [clinical onset] — factor (36): “having type 1 diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of epilepsy” [worsening]
Note: type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus are defined in the Schedule 1- Dictionary.
Note: type 1 diabetes mellitus is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.
Note: type 1 diabetes mellitus is defined in the Schedule 1- Dictionary.
Fracture
RH No. 62 of 2024 · BoP No. 63 of 2024
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (5): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the fracture non-union”
Balance of Probabilities — factor (5): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the fracture non-union”
Note: Fracture non-union is considered to be a clinical worsening of the fracture.
Gallstone disease (cholelithiasis)
RH No. 69 of 2025 · BoP No. 70 of 2025
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (17): “having type 2 diabetes mellitus at the time of clinical onset or clinical worsening” [onset and worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (16): “having type 2 diabetes mellitus at the time of clinical onset or clinical worsening” [onset and worsening]
Note: type 2 diabetes mellitus is defined in the Schedule 1 - Dictionary.
Gastric ulcer and gastric erosion
RH No. 51 of 2024 · BoP No. 52 of 2024
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (25): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of clinical onset or clinical worsening” [onset and worsening]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
RH No. 61 of 2021 · BoP No. 62 of 2021
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (9): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of gastro- oesophageal reflux disease” [clinical onset] — factor (19): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of gastro- oesophageal reflux disease” [worsening]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Gingivitis
BoP No. 18 of 2022
Balance of Probabilities — factor (15): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of gingivitis; Compilation No. 1 Compilation date: 21/11/2022 Authorised Version F2022C01121 registered 21/11/2022” [clinical onset] — factor (32): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of gingivitis” [worsening]
This condition has a Balance of Probabilities instrument only, so the same test applies whatever your service type.
Heart block
RH No. 23 of 2022 · BoP No. 24 of 2022
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (25): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of heart block” [clinical onset] — factor (58): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of heart block” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (23): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of heart block” [clinical onset] — factor (50): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of heart block” [worsening]
Hypertension
RH No. 21 of 2022 · BoP No. 22 of 2022
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (6): “having diabetes mellitus for at least the 5 years before the clinical onset of hypertension” [clinical onset] — factor (31): “having diabetes mellitus for at least the 5 years before the clinical worsening of hypertension” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (6): “having diabetes mellitus for at least the 5 years before the clinical onset of hypertension” [clinical onset] — factor (24): “having diabetes mellitus for at least the 5 years before the clinical worsening of hypertension” [worsening]
Hypogonadism
RH No. 73 of 2021 · BoP No. 74 of 2021
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (37): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of hypogonadism” [clinical onset] — factor (75): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of hypogonadism” [worsening]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Ingrown nail
RH No. 72 of 2024 · BoP No. 73 of 2024
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (8): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of clinical onset or clinical worsening” [onset and worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (7): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of clinical onset or clinical worsening” [onset and worsening]
Ischaemic heart disease
RH No. 27 of 2025 · BoP No. 28 of 2025
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (2): “having diabetes mellitus before clinical onset or clinical worsening” [onset and worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (2): “having diabetes mellitus before clinical onset or clinical worsening” [onset and worsening]
Kaposi sarcoma
RH No. 1 of 2020
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (6): “having diabetes mellitus for at least six months before the clinical onset of Kaposi sarcoma” [clinical onset]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Macular degeneration
RH No. 59 of 2018 · BoP No. 60 of 2018
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (7): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of macular degeneration” [clinical onset] — factor (16): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of macular degeneration” [worsening]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Malignant neoplasm of the bile duct
RH No. 53 of 2024 · BoP No. 54 of 2024
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (9): “having diabetes mellitus for at least 5 years before clinical onset” [clinical onset]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (9): “having diabetes mellitus for at least 5 years before clinical onset” [clinical onset]
Malignant neoplasm of the bladder
RH No. 83 of 2019
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (20): “having diabetes mellitus for at least five years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the bladder” [clinical onset]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Malignant neoplasm of the colon and rectum
RH No. 19 of 2022 · BoP No. 20 of 2022
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (13): “having diabetes mellitus for at least 5 years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colon or rectum” [clinical onset]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (13): “having diabetes mellitus for at least 5 years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the colon or rectum” [clinical onset]
Malignant neoplasm of the endometrium
RH No. 31 of 2025
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (6): “having diabetes mellitus for at least 5 years before clinical onset” [clinical onset]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Malignant neoplasm of the kidney
RH No. 41 of 2021 · BoP No. 42 of 2021
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (13): “having diabetes mellitus for at least five years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the kidney” [clinical onset]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Malignant neoplasm of the liver
RH No. 31 of 2020 · BoP No. 32 of 2020
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (7): “having diabetes mellitus for at least five years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the liver” [clinical onset]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (7): “having diabetes mellitus for at least ten years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the liver” [clinical onset]
Malignant neoplasm of the pancreas
RH No. 103 of 2021 · BoP No. 104 of 2021
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (4): “having diabetes mellitus for at least 5 years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the pancreas” [clinical onset]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (4): “having diabetes mellitus for at least 10 years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the pancreas” [clinical onset]
Malignant neoplasm of the prostate
RH No. 3 of 2023 · BoP No. 4 of 2023
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (12): “having diabetes mellitus for at least 5 years before the clinical worsening of malignant neoplasm of the prostate” [worsening]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Malignant neoplasm of the renal pelvis and ureter
RH No. 92 of 2019 · BoP No. 93 of 2019
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (21): “having diabetes mellitus for at least five years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the renal pelvis or ureter” [clinical onset]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Malignant neoplasm of the small intestine
RH No. 80 of 2023 · BoP No. 81 of 2023
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (7): “having diabetes mellitus for at least 5 years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the small intestine” [clinical onset]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Malignant neoplasm of the stomach
RH No. 74 of 2023 · BoP No. 75 of 2023
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (16): “having diabetes mellitus for at least 5 years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the stomach” [clinical onset]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Malignant neoplasm of the thyroid gland
RH No. 39 of 2022 · BoP No. 40 of 2022
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (7): “having diabetes mellitus for at least 5 years before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of the thyroid gland” [clinical onset]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Malignant neoplasm of unknown primary site
RH No. 103 of 2022 · BoP No. 104 of 2022
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (7): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of malignant neoplasm of unknown primary site” [clinical onset]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Multiple sclerosis
RH No. 11 of 2020 · BoP No. 12 of 2020
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (10): “having type 1 diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of multiple sclerosis” [clinical onset]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Non-aneurysmal aortic atherosclerotic disease
RH No. 52 of 2020 · BoP No. 53 of 2020
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (2): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of non-aneurysmal aortic atherosclerotic disease” [clinical onset] — factor (20): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of non- aneurysmal aortic atherosclerotic disease” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (2): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of non-aneurysmal aortic atherosclerotic disease” [clinical onset] — factor (13): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of non- aneurysmal aortic atherosclerotic disease” [worsening]
Osteomyelitis
RH No. 23 of 2024 · BoP No. 24 of 2024
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (5): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset or clinical worsening of osteomyelitis” [onset and worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (5): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset or clinical worsening of osteomyelitis” [onset and worsening]
Osteoporosis
RH No. 66 of 2024
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (8): “having one of the following endocrine abnormalities for a continuous period of at least 1 year within the 10 years before clinical onset or clinical worsening; (a) Cushing syndrome; (b) Graves disease; (c) hyperprolactinaemia; (d) hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis; (e) hypogonadism (including menopause); (f) primary hyperparathyroidism; or (g) type 1 diabetes mellitus” [onset and worsening]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Otitis externa
RH No. 25 of 2021 · BoP No. 26 of 2021
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (11): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of otitis externa” [clinical onset] — factor (24): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of otitis externa” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (11): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of otitis externa” [clinical onset] — factor (24): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of otitis externa” [worsening]
Pathological fracture
RH No. 64 of 2024 · BoP No. 65 of 2024
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (4): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the fracture non-union”
Balance of Probabilities — factor (4): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the fracture non-union”
Note: Fracture non-union is considered to be a clinical worsening of the pathological fracture.
Periodontitis
RH No. 27 of 2022 · BoP No. 28 of 2022
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (9): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of periodontitis” [clinical onset] — factor (25): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of periodontitis” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (9): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of periodontitis” [clinical onset] — factor (25): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of periodontitis” [worsening]
Peripheral artery disease
RH No. 70 of 2020 · BoP No. 71 of 2020
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (2): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of peripheral artery disease” [clinical onset] — factor (20): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of peripheral artery disease” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (2): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of peripheral artery disease” [clinical onset] — factor (14): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of peripheral artery disease” [worsening]
Plantar fibromatosis
RH No. 21 of 2023 · BoP No. 22 of 2023
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (3): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of plantar fibromatosis” [clinical onset] — factor (10): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of plantar fibromatosis” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (3): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of plantar fibromatosis” [clinical onset] — factor (6): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of plantar fibromatosis” [worsening]
Pulmonary thromboembolism
RH No. 37 of 2021 · BoP No. 38 of 2021
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (16): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of pulmonary thromboembolism” [clinical onset]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (13): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of pulmonary thromboembolism” [clinical onset]
Renal artery atherosclerotic disease
RH No. 56 of 2020 · BoP No. 57 of 2020
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (2): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of renal artery atherosclerotic disease” [clinical onset] — factor (17): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of renal artery atherosclerotic disease” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (2): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of renal artery atherosclerotic disease” [clinical onset] — factor (12): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of renal artery atherosclerotic disease” [worsening]
Restless legs syndrome
RH No. 113 of 2022 · BoP No. 114 of 2022
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (1): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of restless legs syndrome” [clinical onset] — factor (19): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of restless legs syndrome” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (1): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of restless legs syndrome” [clinical onset] — factor (10): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of restless legs syndrome” [worsening]
Retinal vascular occlusion
RH No. 50 of 2020 · BoP No. 51 of 2020
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (3): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of retinal vascular occlusion” [clinical onset] — factor (25): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of retinal vascular occlusion” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (3): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of retinal vascular occlusion” [clinical onset] — factor (23): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of retinal vascular occlusion” [worsening]
Rotator cuff syndrome
RH No. 109 of 2022 · BoP No. 110 of 2022
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (16): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of rotator cuff syndrome” [clinical onset] — factor (36): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of rotator cuff syndrome” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (13): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of rotator cuff syndrome” [clinical onset] — factor (29): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of rotator cuff syndrome” [worsening]
Seizure
RH No. 37 of 2022 · BoP No. 38 of 2022
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (24): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of seizure” [clinical onset]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (24): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of seizure” [clinical onset]
Sensorineural hearing loss
RH No. 98 of 2019 · BoP No. 99 of 2019
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (21): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of sensorineural hearing loss” [clinical onset] — factor (56): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of sensorineural hearing loss” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (20): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of sensorineural hearing loss” [clinical onset] — factor (48): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of sensorineural hearing loss; Compilation No. 1 Compilation date: 30/05/2022 Authorised Version F2022C00588 registered 31/05/2022” [worsening]
Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia
RH No. 27 of 2023 · BoP No. 28 of 2023
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (6): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of shingles or postherpetic neuralgia” [clinical onset] — factor (14): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of shingles or postherpetic neuralgia” [worsening]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Steatohepatitis
RH No. 86 of 2022 · BoP No. 87 of 2022
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (2): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of steatohepatitis” [clinical onset]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (1): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of steatohepatitis” [clinical onset]
Subdural haematoma
RH No. 100 of 2019 · BoP No. 101 of 2019
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (9): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of subdural haematoma” [clinical onset]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Sudden unexplained death
RH No. 45 of 2022 · BoP No. 46 of 2022
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (5): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the sudden unexplained death”
Balance of Probabilities — factor (5): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the sudden unexplained death”
Tinea
RH No. 55 of 2024 · BoP No. 56 of 2024
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (3): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of clinical worsening” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (3): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of clinical worsening” [worsening]
Trigeminal neuralgia or trigeminal neuropathy
RH No. 84 of 2024 · BoP No. 85 of 2024
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (21): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of clinical onset or clinical worsening of trigeminal neuropathy” [onset and worsening]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Trigger finger
RH No. 39 of 2019 · BoP No. 40 of 2019
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (4): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of trigger finger” [clinical onset] — factor (10): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of trigger finger” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (3): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical onset of trigger finger” [clinical onset] — factor (8): “having diabetes mellitus before the clinical worsening of trigger finger” [worsening]
Tuberculosis
RH No. 47 of 2024 · BoP No. 48 of 2024
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (9): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of tuberculosis” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (9): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of tuberculosis” [worsening]
Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow
RH No. 65 of 2017 · BoP No. 66 of 2017
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (21): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical onset of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow” [clinical onset] — factor (43): “having diabetes mellitus at the time of the clinical worsening of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow; Compilation No. 1 Compilation date: 25/05/2020 Authorised Version F2020C00421 registered 25/05/2020” [worsening]
This factor appears in the Reasonable Hypothesis instrument only, which applies to operational service.
Vascular neurocognitive disorder
RH No. 9 of 2023 · BoP No. 10 of 2023
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (9): “having diabetes mellitus for at least the 5 years before the clinical onset of vascular neurocognitive disorder” [clinical onset] — factor (28): “having diabetes mellitus for at least the 5 years before the clinical worsening of vascular neurocognitive disorder” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (7): “having diabetes mellitus for at least the 5 years before the clinical onset of vascular neurocognitive disorder” [clinical onset] — factor (20): “having diabetes mellitus for at least the 5 years before the clinical worsening of vascular neurocognitive disorder” [worsening]
Other accepted conditions that also open achilles tendinopathy
If any of these is also on your file, it reaches some of the same conditions diabetes mellitus does.
What DVA means by diabetes mellitus
A claim is tested against the definition first. If the diagnosis on your file does not meet this wording, the factors below never get reached — so it is worth checking that what your doctor wrote matches what the instrument requires.
Diabetes mellitus, for the purposes of the Statement of Principles, for the purposes of this Statement of Principles, diabetes mellitus: (a) means persistent hyperglycaemia characterised by either: (i) two positive laboratory blood tests on separate days showing: A. a fasting plasma glucose concentration of at least 7.0 millimoles per litre; or B. a plasma glucose concentration of at least 11.1 millimoles per litre two hours after ingestion of 75 grams of glucose on a baseline fasting state (glucose tolerance test); or C. an HbA1c level of at least 6.5%; or (ii) an episode of diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state with a blood glucose level of at least 11.1 millimoles per litre; and Compilation No. 3 Compilation date: 19/09/2022 Authorised Version F2022C00898 registered 19/09/2022 (b) includes: (i) drug-induced diabetes mellitus; (ii) gestational diabetes mellitus; (iii) primary diabetes mellitus; (iv) secondary diabetes mellitus; (v) type 1 diabetes mellitus; and (vi) type 2 diabetes mellitus; and
Aggravation-only factors. In this instrument, subsections 9(9) to 9(25) apply only to material contribution to, or aggravation of, diabetes mellitus where it was already present before or during service. If service caused diabetes mellitus outright, those factors are not available to you.
RH No. 48 of 2020 · BoP No. 49 of 2020 · 23 factors
What could support a claim for diabetes mellitus?
The Statement of Principles for diabetes mellitus names 5 other conditions among its own factors. If any of these is already accepted on your file, it may be the factor that carries a diabetes mellitus claim — quoted here from the instrument.
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (7): “for type 2 diabetes mellitus only: (a) having smoked at least five pack-years of tobacco products before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus, and where smoking has permanently ceased, the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus has occurred within 15 years of cessation; (b) being exposed to second-hand smoke for at least 5,000 hours before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus, and where exposure to second-hand smoke has permanently ceased, the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus has occurred within 15 years of cessation; (c) being overweight or obese for at least five years before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (d) an inability to undertake moderate physical activity of at least four METs for at least the five years before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (e) having cirrhosis of the liver at the time of the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (f) having non-alcoholic steatohepatitis at the time of the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (g) having infection with human immunodeficiency virus before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (h) having infection with hepatitis C virus before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (i) having hypertension at the time of the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; Compilation No. 3 Compilation date: 19/09/2022 Authorised Version F2022C00898 registered 19/09/2022 (j) having chronic renal failure at the time of the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (k) having gout or hyperuricaemia at the time of the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (l) having posttraumatic stress disorder at the time of the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (m) having depressive disorder at the time of the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (n) having bipolar disorder at the time of the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (o) having schizophrenia at the time of the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (p) having bilateral orchiectomy before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (q) having anti-androgen therapy as specified for at least the one year before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (r) being exposed to arsenic as specified before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (s) inhaling, ingesting or having cutaneous contact with a chemical agent contaminated by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin (TCDD): (i) for a cumulative period of at least 500 hours, within a consecutive period of ten years before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; and (ii) where the first exposure occurred at least five years before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; and (iii) where that exposure has ceased, the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus has occurred within 25 years of cessation; or Compilation No. 3 Compilation date: 19/09/2022 Authorised Version F2022C00898 registered 19/09/2022 (t) for parous women only, inability to breast feed for a cumulative period of at least six months before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus” [clinical onset]
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (23): “for type 2 diabetes mellitus only: (a) having smoked at least five pack-years of tobacco products before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus, and where smoking has permanently ceased, the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus has occurred within 15 years of cessation; (b) being exposed to second-hand smoke for at least 5,000 hours before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus, and where exposure to second-hand smoke has permanently ceased, the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus has occurred within 15 years of cessation; (c) being overweight or obese for at least five years before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (d) an inability to undertake moderate physical activity of at least four METs for at least the five years before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (e) having cirrhosis of the liver at the time of the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (f) having non-alcoholic steatohepatitis at the time of the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; Compilation No. 3 Compilation date: 19/09/2022 Authorised Version F2022C00898 registered 19/09/2022 (g) having infection with human immunodeficiency virus before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (h) having infection with hepatitis C virus before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (i) having hypertension at the time of the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (j) having chronic renal failure at the time of the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (k) having gout or hyperuricaemia at the time of the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (l) having posttraumatic stress disorder at the time of the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (m) having bilateral orchiectomy before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (n) having anti-androgen therapy as specified for at least the one year before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (o) being exposed to arsenic as specified before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; or (p) inhaling, ingesting or having cutaneous contact with a chemical agent contaminated by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin (TCDD): (i) for a cumulative period of at least 500 hours, within a consecutive period of ten years before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; and (ii) where the first exposure occurred at least five years before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; and (iii) where that exposure has ceased, the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus has occurred within 25 years of cessation; Compilation No. 3 Compilation date: 19/09/2022 Authorised Version F2022C00898 registered 19/09/2022” [worsening]
Depressive disorder
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (20): “having depressive disorder at the time of the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (18): “having depressive disorder at the time of the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus” [worsening]
Bipolar disorder
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (21): “having bipolar disorder at the time of the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (19): “having bipolar disorder at the time of the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus” [worsening]
Schizophrenia
Reasonable Hypothesis — factor (22): “having schizophrenia at the time of the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus” [worsening]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (20): “having schizophrenia at the time of the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus” [worsening]
Cirrhosis of the liver
Balance of Probabilities — factor (7): “for type 2 diabetes mellitus only: (a) having smoked at least five pack-years of tobacco products before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus, and where smoking has permanently ceased, the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus has occurred within 15 years of cessation; (b) being exposed to second-hand smoke for at least 5,000 hours before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus, and where exposure to second-hand smoke has permanently ceased, the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus has occurred within 15 years of cessation; (c) being overweight or obese for at least five years before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (d) an inability to undertake moderate physical activity of at least four METs for at least the five years before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (e) having cirrhosis of the liver at the time of the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (f) having non-alcoholic steatohepatitis at the time of the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (g) having infection with human immunodeficiency virus before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (h) having infection with hepatitis C virus before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (i) having depressive disorder at the time of the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (j) having bipolar disorder at the time of the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (k) having schizophrenia at the time of the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; (l) having bilateral orchiectomy before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; Compilation No. 3 Compilation date: 19/09/2022 (m) having anti-androgen therapy with a gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist, including goserelin and leuprorelin, for at least the one year before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus; or (n) being exposed to arsenic as specified before the clinical onset of diabetes mellitus” [clinical onset]
Balance of Probabilities — factor (21): “for type 2 diabetes mellitus only: (a) having smoked at least five pack-years of tobacco products before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus, and where smoking has permanently ceased, the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus has occurred within 15 years of cessation; (b) being exposed to second-hand smoke for at least 5,000 hours before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus, and where exposure to second-hand smoke has permanently ceased, the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus has occurred within 15 years of cessation; (c) being overweight or obese for at least five years before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (d) an inability to undertake moderate physical activity of at least four METs for at least the five years before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (e) having cirrhosis of the liver at the time of the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (f) having non-alcoholic steatohepatitis at the time of the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; Compilation No. 3 Compilation date: 19/09/2022 (g) having infection with human immunodeficiency virus before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (h) having infection with hepatitis C virus before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (i) having bilateral orchiectomy before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; (j) having anti-androgen therapy with a gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist, including goserelin and leuprorelin, for at least the one year before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus; or (k) being exposed to arsenic as specified before the clinical worsening of diabetes mellitus” [worsening]
Reviewed by Dr Thomas Perkins
Founding doctor, Veterans Health Centre · former RAAF aviation medical officer · 13 years working exclusively with ADF members and veterans. Full profile →
Diabetes mellitus accepted?
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