Cold injury residuals
The VA rates Cold injury residuals under Diagnostic Code 7122 across 3 severity levels, from 10% to 30%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Rating schedule · DC 7122 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 30%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.104
- Body system
- Cardiovascular System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 30%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Cold injury residuals?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity |
| 20% | Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity plus one of the following: Tissue loss, nail abnormalities, color changes, locally impaired sensation, hyperhidrosis, anhydrosis, X-ray abnormalities (osteoporosis, subarticular punched-out lesions, or osteoarthritis), atrophy or fibrosis of the affected musculature, flexion or extension deformity of distal joints, volar fat pad loss in fingers or toes, avascular necrosis of bone, chronic ulceration, carpal or tarsal tunnel syndrome |
| 30% | Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity plus two or more of the following: Tissue loss, nail abnormalities, color changes, locally impaired sensation, hyperhidrosis, anhydrosis, X-ray abnormalities (osteoporosis, subarticular punched-out lesions, or osteoarthritis), atrophy or fibrosis of the affected musculature, flexion or extension deformity of distal joints, volar fat pad loss in fingers or toes, avascular necrosis of bone, chronic ulceration, carpal or tarsal tunnel syndrome |
“Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity plus one of the following: Tissue loss, nail abnormalities, color changes, locally impaired sensation, hyperhidrosis, anhydrosis, X-ray abnormalities (osteoporosis, subarticular punched-out lesions, or osteoarthritis), atrophy or fibrosis of the affected musculature, flexion or extension deformity of distal joints, volar fat pad loss in fingers or toes, avascular necrosis of bone, chronic ulceration, carpal or tarsal tunnel syndrome”
What other cardiovascular conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Cold injury residuals in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 7112Aneurysm, any small arteryRated up to 0%
- 7113Arteriovenous fistula, traumaticRated up to 100%
- 7114Peripheral arterial diseaseRated up to 100%
- 7115Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease)Rated up to 100%
- 7117Raynaud's syndrome (also known as secondary Raynaud's phenomenon or secondary Raynaud's)Rated up to 100%
- 7118Angioneurotic edemaRated up to 40%
- 7119ErythromelalgiaRated up to 100%
- 7121Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiologyRated up to 100%
- 7123Soft tissue sarcoma (of vascular origin)Rated up to 100%
- 7124Raynaud's disease (also known as primary Raynaud's)Rated up to 10%
What to do with a Cold injury residuals rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
Common Questions About Cold injury residuals VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Cold injury residuals?
The VA rates Cold injury residuals under Diagnostic Code 7122 at 10%, 20%, 30%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity. The maximum 30% rating requires: Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity plus two or more of the following: Tissue loss, nail abnormalities, color changes, locally impaired sensation, hyperhidrosis, anhydrosis, X-ray abnormalities (osteoporosis, subarticular punched-out lesions, or osteoarthritis), atrophy or fibrosis of the affected musculature, flexion or extension deformity of distal joints, volar fat pad loss in fingers or toes, avascular necrosis of bone, chronic ulceration, carpal or tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Cold injury residuals?
The VA rates Cold injury residuals under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7122, published in 38 CFR § 4.104. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 30% rating for Cold injury residuals?
A 10% rating requires: Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity. A 30% rating requires: Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity plus two or more of the following: Tissue loss, nail abnormalities, color changes, locally impaired sensation, hyperhidrosis, anhydrosis, X-ray abnormalities (osteoporosis, subarticular punched-out lesions, or osteoarthritis), atrophy or fibrosis of the affected musculature, flexion or extension deformity of distal joints, volar fat pad loss in fingers or toes, avascular necrosis of bone, chronic ulceration, carpal or tarsal tunnel syndrome. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Cold injury residuals qualify for TDIU?
Cold injury residuals maxes at 30%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Cold injury residuals?
The key evidence for Cold injury residuals is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Cold injury residuals?
The C&P examiner uses a Cardiovascular System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7122 rating criteria. Cardiac stress testing or METs estimation drives the rating. If you cannot exercise, the examiner estimates METs from interview. Be specific about what activities cause symptoms: stairs, walking distances, lifting limits.
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