Reference: 38 CFR 4.104

Sources & Related Guides

What is the VA rating for Varicose Veins / Post-Phlebitic Syndrome?

Review Varicose Veins / Post-Phlebitic Syndrome guidance covering DC 7120 (a pure redirect to DC 7121) and DC 7121's full 6-tier ladder, the first slice built from RSCH-040's confirmed 14-code DC 7110-7124 'Diseases of the Arteries and Veins' range.

Condition Overview & Clinical Scope

MOST IMPORTANT TO KNOW FIRST: 'Varicose veins' (DC 7120) has NO rating percentage of its own -- its entire regulatory text is a redirect: 'Evaluate under diagnostic code 7121.' Every varicose-vein finding is actually rated under DC 7121 (post-phlebitic syndrome)'s own 6-tier ladder. This hub covers DC 7120 and DC 7121 -- 2 of the 14 live diagnostic codes in 38 CFR 4.104's broader 'Diseases of the Arteries and Veins' range (DC 7110-7124), confirmed via RSCH-040's research. It is the first slice built from that range, per RSCH-040's own recommendation (highest prevalence, fully self-contained) -- it is not comprehensive of the full arteries-and-veins schedule, and should not be treated as such.

EXPLORE THIS CONDITION

Explore Varicose Veins / Post-Phlebitic Syndrome Criteria & Tools

Start AssessmentAnswer condition-scoped questions using documented findings from your records or exam notes.ContinuePercentage GuideSee the published percentage tiers and what changes between them.ContinueSecondary ConditionsSee conditions commonly connected to this one in VA claims.Continue

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Common Questions & FAQs

Start with your question

What are you trying to understand about varicose veins / post-phlebitic syndrome?

Compare your records in assessmentRead overview

Overview

About this condition

MOST IMPORTANT TO KNOW FIRST: 'Varicose veins' (DC 7120) has NO rating percentage of its own -- its entire regulatory text is a redirect: 'Evaluate under diagnostic code 7121.' Every varicose-vein finding is actually rated under DC 7121 (post-phlebitic syndrome)'s own 6-tier ladder. This hub covers DC 7120 and DC 7121 -- 2 of the 14 live diagnostic codes in 38 CFR 4.104's broader 'Diseases of the Arteries and Veins' range (DC 7110-7124), confirmed via RSCH-040's research. It is the first slice built from that range, per RSCH-040's own recommendation (highest prevalence, fully self-contained) -- it is not comprehensive of the full arteries-and-veins schedule, and should not be treated as such.

Regulatory authority: 38 CFR 4.104, Diagnostic Codes 7120-7121

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE, READ FIRST: DC 7120 (varicose veins) carries no independent rating criteria -- it redirects entirely to DC 7121. This hub explains the published DC 7120/7121 schedule and common record language. It does not diagnose a condition, determine service connection, infer undocumented findings, estimate an outcome, or replace medical care or accredited representation. ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES: (1) DC 7121's own Note requires each extremity to be evaluated SEPARATELY and combined under 38 CFR 4.25, applying the bilateral factor (38 CFR 4.26) if applicable, when more than one extremity is involved -- RatingScope collects each extremity's own finding independently for bilateral cases but does NOT auto-compute the combined result; this is disclosed for separate review. (2) This hub covers only 2 of the 14 live diagnostic codes in the broader DC 7110-7124 'Diseases of the Arteries and Veins' range -- arterial disease (Peripheral Arterial Disease / Aneurysm / Buerger's Disease), cold injury residuals, and Raynaud's disease are already live in their own sibling hubs, and the remaining six codes (DC 7110, 7112, 7113, 7118, 7119, 7123) are covered in the Aneurysm, Arteriovenous Fistula, Angioneurotic Edema, Erythromelalgia, and Vascular Sarcoma hub.

Percentage Guides

Understanding Your Percentage

Select a pathway to see what the published criteria ask about, what records may clarify it, and what should not be assumed.

100% (DC 7121, ceiling tier)

Highest listed pathway

Massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest.

What separates the next level: 60 percent applies when the findings are severe but do not reach massive board-like edema with constant rest pain.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest -- 100.
What the published criteria say
DC 7121's ceiling tier, reached when both massive board-like edema and constant rest pain are documented for the affected extremity.
Examples
Records document massive, board-like lower-leg edema with pain present continuously, even at rest.
Medical evidence
Artery and Vein Conditions DBQ; Vascular examination records documenting edema severity and pain pattern
Functional impact examples
Severe, unremitting edema and pain limiting weight-bearing and daily function.
Common misconceptions
Varicose veins themselves (DC 7120) are never rated directly -- this tier, like every tier in this hub, is reached only through DC 7121's own criteria.
Related topics
7120-redirect
Source context
38 CFR 4.104; 7121; Current DC 7120/7121 educational pathway. No pending rulemaking found touching this range (RSCH-040).

60% (DC 7121)

Next: 100%

Persistent edema or subcutaneous induration, stasis pigmentation or eczema, and persistent ulceration.

What separates the next level: 100 percent applies once edema becomes massive and board-like with constant rest pain; 40 percent applies when ulceration is intermittent rather than persistent.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Persistent edema or subcutaneous induration, stasis pigmentation or eczema, and persistent ulceration -- 60.
What the published criteria say
Reached when persistent edema or induration, stasis pigmentation or eczema, and persistent (not just intermittent) ulceration are all documented together.
Examples
Records document persistent lower-leg edema with stasis pigmentation and a persistent, non-healing ulcer.
Medical evidence
Artery and Vein Conditions DBQ; Vascular examination records documenting edema, pigmentation/eczema, and ulceration persistence
Functional impact examples
Persistent, non-healing ulceration with ongoing edema and skin changes.
Common misconceptions
An ulcer that comes and goes, rather than staying continuously present, does not meet this tier's 'persistent ulceration' requirement -- that pattern is the 40 percent tier's own 'intermittent ulceration' language instead.
Related topics
7120-redirect
Source context
38 CFR 4.104; 7121; Current DC 7120/7121 educational pathway.

40% (DC 7121)

Next: 60%

Persistent edema and stasis pigmentation or eczema, with or without intermittent ulceration.

What separates the next level: 60 percent applies once ulceration becomes persistent rather than intermittent or absent; 20 percent applies when edema is not yet persistent (incompletely relieved by elevation) or pigmentation is only beginning.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Persistent edema and stasis pigmentation or eczema, with or without intermittent ulceration -- 40.
What the published criteria say
Reached when persistent edema and stasis pigmentation or eczema are both documented; ulceration may be intermittent or absent.
Examples
Records document persistent edema with stasis pigmentation, and an occasional but not continuously present ulcer.
Medical evidence
Artery and Vein Conditions DBQ; Vascular examination records documenting edema persistence, pigmentation/eczema, and any ulceration
Functional impact examples
Persistent edema and skin changes, with ulceration coming and going rather than constant.
Common misconceptions
Any ulceration at all does not automatically push this tier up to 60 percent -- the 40 percent tier's own text expressly allows 'with or without intermittent ulceration'; only persistent ulceration reaches the higher tier.
Related topics
7120-redirect
Source context
38 CFR 4.104; 7121; Current DC 7120/7121 educational pathway.

20% (DC 7121)

Next: 40%

Persistent edema, incompletely relieved by elevation of the extremity, with or without beginning stasis pigmentation or eczema.

What separates the next level: 40 percent applies once stasis pigmentation or eczema is fully established rather than just beginning; 10 percent applies when edema is only intermittent, or elevation/compression hosiery fully relieves it.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Persistent edema, incompletely relieved by elevation of extremity, with or without beginning stasis pigmentation or eczema -- 20.
What the published criteria say
Reached when edema is persistent and elevation of the extremity does not fully relieve it; stasis pigmentation or eczema may be just beginning or absent.
Examples
Records document edema that persists despite leg elevation, with early skin discoloration beginning to appear.
Medical evidence
Artery and Vein Conditions DBQ; Vascular examination records documenting edema persistence and response to elevation
Functional impact examples
Persistent edema not fully relieved by elevation, with early skin changes.
Common misconceptions
Edema that fully resolves with elevation does not meet this tier -- the tier's own text requires edema 'incompletely relieved by elevation'; fully-relieved edema is the 10 percent tier's own pattern instead.
Related topics
7120-redirect
Source context
38 CFR 4.104; 7121; Current DC 7120/7121 educational pathway.

10% (DC 7121)

Next: 20%

Intermittent edema of the extremity, or aching and fatigue in the leg after prolonged standing or walking, relieved by elevation of the extremity or compression hosiery.

What separates the next level: 20 percent applies once edema becomes persistent and elevation no longer fully relieves it; 0 percent applies when varicose veins are documented but produce no symptoms at all.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Intermittent edema of extremity or aching and fatigue in leg after prolonged standing or walking, with symptoms relieved by elevation of extremity or compression hosiery -- 10.
What the published criteria say
Reached when edema comes and goes (rather than being persistent), or when aching/fatigue after prolonged standing or walking is documented, and either is relieved by elevation or compression hosiery.
Examples
Records document intermittent ankle swelling after a full day of standing, resolved by elevating the leg or wearing compression stockings.
Medical evidence
Artery and Vein Conditions DBQ; Vascular examination records documenting edema pattern and response to elevation or compression hosiery
Functional impact examples
Intermittent swelling or leg aching/fatigue after prolonged standing or walking, relieved by elevation or compression hosiery.
Common misconceptions
A documented varicose vein diagnosis alone does not reach this tier -- 10 percent requires the actual symptom (intermittent edema, or aching/fatigue after prolonged standing or walking); an asymptomatic diagnosis is the 0 percent tier's own pattern instead.
Related topics
7120-redirect
Source context
38 CFR 4.104; 7121; Current DC 7120/7121 educational pathway.

0% (DC 7121, real explicit floor)

Next: 10%

Asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins.

What separates the next level: 10 percent applies once intermittent edema, or aching/fatigue after prolonged standing or walking (relieved by elevation or compression hosiery), is documented.

Review CFR criteria, examples, and evidence
Official CFR language
Asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins -- 0.
What the published criteria say
A genuine, explicitly stated 0 percent outcome -- reached when varicose veins are documented but produce no qualifying symptoms.
Examples
Records document visible varicose veins on examination with no associated edema, pain, or skin changes.
Medical evidence
Artery and Vein Conditions DBQ
Functional impact examples
Cosmetically visible or palpable varicose veins with no functional symptoms.
Common misconceptions
This is a real, explicitly stated 0 percent tier confirmed via two independent primary sources -- not every diagnostic code in this repository has one.
Related topics
7120-redirect
Source context
38 CFR 4.104; 7121; Current DC 7120/7121 educational pathway.

Learn

Understand the details behind the criteria

Use these short guides to connect published terms with the records and observations that may clarify them.

DC 7120's pure redirect to DC 7121 (read this first)

Varicose veins (DC 7120) has NO rating percentage of its own. Its entire verbatim regulatory text is: 'Evaluate under diagnostic code 7121.'

  • Confirmed via two independent primary sources -- there is no independent tier, table, or criterion anywhere in DC 7120's own text.
  • Every varicose-vein finding is rated under DC 7121 (post-phlebitic syndrome)'s own 6-tier ladder, within this same hub -- RatingScope routes directly there rather than treating DC 7120 as a separate, unaddressed gap.

Records to review: Artery and Vein Conditions DBQ.

Bilateral involvement and the §4.25/§4.26 combination requirement

DC 7121's own Note states these evaluations are for a single extremity. If more than one extremity is involved, each is evaluated separately and combined under 38 CFR 4.25, applying the bilateral factor (38 CFR 4.26) if applicable.

  • Confirmed verbatim via two independent primary sources -- this is not a summary, it is the regulation's own exact instruction.
  • RatingScope collects each extremity's own finding independently for bilateral cases, but does NOT auto-compute the combined result -- this is disclosed for separate review, the same disclose-not-compute discipline already used for the Female Reproductive Organ Conditions and Disorders of the Breast hub's DC 7621 cross-system combination requirement.
  • This is a different §4.26 handling than the live Radiculopathy hub, which does compute the bilateral factor for the narrower case where the same severity applies to both legs identically -- that computation does not extend to this hub's genuinely independent per-extremity findings.

Records to review: Vascular examination records documenting each extremity's own findings separately.

This hub covers 2 of 14 codes in the broader arteries-and-veins schedule

38 CFR 4.104's 'Diseases of the Arteries and Veins' range spans 14 live diagnostic codes (DC 7110-7124, excluding DC 7101 which is Hypertension, already its own hub). This hub covers only DC 7120 and DC 7121.

  • Arterial disease (DC 7114 and dependents), cold injury residuals (DC 7122), and Raynaud's disease (DC 7117/7124) are already live in their own sibling hubs. The remaining six codes (DC 7110, 7112, 7113, 7118, 7119, and soft tissue sarcoma of vascular origin, DC 7123) are covered in the Aneurysm, Arteriovenous Fistula, Angioneurotic Edema, Erythromelalgia, and Vascular Sarcoma hub, closing out the full 14-code range.
  • This is disclosed clearly, the same 'don't assume comprehensive' discipline already applied to the Radiculopathy hub's lower-extremity scope and the Peripheral Nerves, Upper Extremity hub's own disclosures.

Records to review: Records confirming the specific vascular diagnosis documented.

Evidence

Evidence that may clarify the published criteria

Vascular examination records documenting edema, pigmentation, ulceration, and pain findings

The core evidence distinguishing DC 7121's six tiers.

Not required beyond confirming asymptomatic status for the 0 percent tier.

Records documenting whether one or both extremities are affected

Establishes whether DC 7121's per-extremity, bilateral-factor combination Note applies.

Not required for a confirmed unilateral finding.

Artery and Vein Conditions DBQ

VA's examination form for varicose veins, post-phlebitic syndrome, and the broader arteries-and-veins range.

A DBQ is one common evidence source, not the only way to document these findings.

VA forms and DBQs (from VA.gov)

Downloadable DBQs & Supporting Claim Forms

The public DBQ shows the kinds of findings an examiner may record. A veteran may review it, or may share it with a private clinician, before a C&P exam. RatingScope does not tell any person what to submit.

Terminology

Plain-English terms

Post-phlebitic syndrome

Long-term leg (or arm) swelling and skin changes that can follow a blood clot in a vein.

The only code in this hub with its own independent rating tiers -- DC 7120 (varicose veins) always redirects here.

Artery and Vein Conditions DBQ; 7120-redirect

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Bilateral factor

An extra adjustment VA applies when the same type of condition affects both sides of the body.

DC 7121's own Note requires this when more than one extremity is involved -- disclosed here, not auto-computed.

Vascular examination records documenting each extremity's own findings separately; bilateral-combination

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TDIU

Even if the schedular rating for Varicose Veins / Post-Phlebitic Syndrome does not reach 100 percent, TDIU may still provide a pathway to compensation at the 100 percent rate, based on unemployability from this and/or other service-connected disabilities combined.

A lower schedular percentage does not by itself foreclose TDIU eligibility -- this hub computes only the schedular percentage for this specific condition and does not determine TDIU eligibility.

Employment history; vocational impact documentation; occupational impairment

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Common Questions

Questions veterans commonly ask

Does varicose veins have its own rating percentage?

No. DC 7120 (varicose veins)'s entire text is a redirect: 'Evaluate under diagnostic code 7121.' Every varicose-vein finding is rated under DC 7121's own 6-tier ladder.

How does VA rate post-phlebitic syndrome?

Under a 6-tier ladder from 100 percent (massive board-like edema with constant rest pain) down to a real, explicit 0 percent (asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins), based on edema, pigmentation, ulceration, and pain findings.

What if both legs (or arms) are affected?

DC 7121's own Note requires each extremity to be evaluated separately and combined under 38 CFR 4.25, applying the bilateral factor under 38 CFR 4.26 if applicable. RatingScope collects each extremity's own finding but does not auto-compute the combined result -- reviewed separately.

Does this hub cover the whole arteries-and-veins schedule?

Yes, across five hubs. This hub covers 2 of the 14 live diagnostic codes in 38 CFR 4.104's broader DC 7110-7124 range. Arterial disease, cold injury residuals, and Raynaud's disease are already live in their own sibling hubs, and the remaining six codes are covered in the Aneurysm, Arteriovenous Fistula, Angioneurotic Edema, Erythromelalgia, and Vascular Sarcoma hub.

If my schedular rating for Varicose Veins / Post-Phlebitic Syndrome is below 100%, can I still be compensated at the 100% rate?

Possibly, through TDIU (Total Disability rating based on Individual Unemployability, 38 CFR 4.16) -- a separate pathway to 100 percent compensation based on unemployability, from this and/or other service-connected disabilities combined, independent of whether the schedular rating itself reaches 100 percent. This hub computes only the schedular percentage and does not determine TDIU eligibility.

What separates the 100% (DC 7121, ceiling tier) rating from adjacent levels?

60 percent applies when the findings are severe but do not reach massive board-like edema with constant rest pain.

What separates the 60% (DC 7121) rating from adjacent levels?

100 percent applies once edema becomes massive and board-like with constant rest pain; 40 percent applies when ulceration is intermittent rather than persistent.

What separates the 40% (DC 7121) rating from adjacent levels?

60 percent applies once ulceration becomes persistent rather than intermittent or absent; 20 percent applies when edema is not yet persistent (incompletely relieved by elevation) or pigmentation is only beginning.

What separates the 20% (DC 7121) rating from adjacent levels?

40 percent applies once stasis pigmentation or eczema is fully established rather than just beginning; 10 percent applies when edema is only intermittent, or elevation/compression hosiery fully relieves it.

What separates the 10% (DC 7121) rating from adjacent levels?

20 percent applies once edema becomes persistent and elevation no longer fully relieves it; 0 percent applies when varicose veins are documented but produce no symptoms at all.

What separates the 0% (DC 7121, real explicit floor) rating from adjacent levels?

10 percent applies once intermittent edema, or aching/fatigue after prolonged standing or walking (relieved by elevation or compression hosiery), is documented.

Related Conditions

Continue learning through connected topics

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy's own hub is the existing precedent for how RatingScope handles the 38 CFR 4.26 bilateral factor -- worth reviewing for contrast with this hub's disclose-not-compute approach to genuinely independent per-extremity findings.

Cold Injury Residuals

Cold Injury Residuals is a sibling hub in the same 38 CFR 4.104 Diseases of the Arteries and Veins range (DC 7110-7124), covering a different 1 of the 14 codes in that range.

Raynaud's Disease / Raynaud's Syndrome

Raynaud's Disease / Raynaud's Syndrome is a sibling hub in the same 38 CFR 4.104 Diseases of the Arteries and Veins range (DC 7110-7124), covering a different 2 of the 14 codes in that range.

Ready when you are

Compare documented varicose veins and post-phlebitic syndrome findings

Use the diagnosis and edema/pigmentation/ulceration/pain language already documented in your records. Do not upload records or enter Social Security numbers, claim numbers, full dates of birth, or other sensitive identifiers. RatingScope does not infer missing findings or auto-compute a bilateral combination result.

Informational guidance only. RatingScope does not predict, decide, or guarantee VA outcomes.

Compare my varicose veins or post-phlebitic syndrome records

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Secondary conditions

Conditions commonly connected to Varicose Veins / Post-Phlebitic Syndrome

No commonly documented secondary connections are tracked for Varicose Veins / Post-Phlebitic Syndrome yet.

Educational Guides & Evidence Resources

In-depth analysis of DBQ forms, medical evidence thresholds, and rating schedules for Varicose Veins / Post-Phlebitic Syndrome.

Varicose Veins and Post-Phlebitic Syndrome VA Rating: DC 7120 & DC 7121

Understand how the VA evaluates varicose veins and post-phlebitic syndrome under 38 CFR 4.104 using edema, pigmentation, and ulceration criteria.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) VA Disability Rating: DC 7114 Criteria

Learn how the VA rates peripheral arterial disease under 38 CFR 4.104 DC 7114 using objective ankle-brachial index (ABI) and vascular pressure testing.

Secondary Service Connection Explained

Learn how secondary service connection works, what medical evidence is required, and how secondary conditions are rated.

Keep going

Related Tools

Compare a percentage level and combined-rating math, or review evidence context.

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VA Math & Combined Ratings

Understand the whole-person method, final rounding, and bilateral limits, then calculate how percentages combine.

Open VA Math guide

Evidence Center

Understand common evidence categories and what they can clarify without treating them as a checklist.

Open Evidence Center