Peripheral arterial disease
Peripheral arterial disease is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7114, from 20% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires: At least one of the following: Ankle/brachial index less than or equal to 0.39; ankle pressure less than 50 mm Hg; toe pressure less than 30 mm Hg; or transcutaneous oxygen tension less than 30 mm Hg. Most claims establish the 20% or 40% rating before reaching the top tier.
What are the VA rating criteria for Peripheral arterial disease?
At least one of the following: Ankle/brachial index of 0.67-0.79; ankle pressure of 84-99 mm Hg; toe pressure of 50-59 mm Hg; or transcutaneous oxygen tension of 50-59 mm Hg
Note: The ankle/brachial index (ABI) is the ratio of systolic blood pressure at the ankle to systolic blood pressure in the arm. An ABI of 0.9 or less supports a diagnosis of PAD. Each extremity affected is rated separately.
At least one of the following: Ankle/brachial index of 0.54-0.66; ankle pressure of 66-83 mm Hg; toe pressure of 40-49 mm Hg; or transcutaneous oxygen tension of 40-49 mm Hg
At least one of the following: Ankle/brachial index of 0.40-0.53; ankle pressure of 50-65 mm Hg; toe pressure of 30-39 mm Hg; or transcutaneous oxygen tension of 30-39 mm Hg
At least one of the following: Ankle/brachial index less than or equal to 0.39; ankle pressure less than 50 mm Hg; toe pressure less than 30 mm Hg; or transcutaneous oxygen tension less than 30 mm Hg
Note: Note: These ratings are for each affected extremity. If a lower extremity is amputated, rate by analogy to the appropriate amputation code.
“At least one of the following: Ankle/brachial index of 0.40-0.53; ankle pressure of 50-65 mm Hg; toe pressure of 30-39 mm Hg; or transcutaneous oxygen tension of 30-39 mm Hg”
Common Questions About Peripheral arterial disease VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Peripheral arterial disease?
The VA rates Peripheral arterial disease under Diagnostic Code 7114 at 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 20% rating requires: At least one of the following: Ankle/brachial index of 0.67-0.79; ankle pressure of 84-99 mm Hg; toe pressure of 50-59 mm Hg; or transcutaneous oxygen tension of 50-59 mm Hg. The maximum 100% rating requires: At least one of the following: Ankle/brachial index less than or equal to 0.39; ankle pressure less than 50 mm Hg; toe pressure less than 30 mm Hg; or transcutaneous oxygen tension less than 30 mm Hg.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Peripheral arterial disease?
The VA rates Peripheral arterial disease under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7114, governed by 38 CFR 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 20% and a 100% rating for Peripheral arterial disease?
A 20% rating requires: At least one of the following: Ankle/brachial index of 0.67-0.79; ankle pressure of 84-99 mm Hg; toe pressure of 50-59 mm Hg; or transcutaneous oxygen tension of 50-59 mm Hg. A 100% rating requires: At least one of the following: Ankle/brachial index less than or equal to 0.39; ankle pressure less than 50 mm Hg; toe pressure less than 30 mm Hg; or transcutaneous oxygen tension less than 30 mm Hg. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Peripheral arterial disease qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Peripheral arterial disease may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Peripheral arterial disease?
Service connection for Peripheral arterial disease requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.
What is the C&P exam like for Peripheral arterial disease?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Peripheral arterial disease uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.
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