DC 7121Cardiovascular SystemCriteria from 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7121

Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology

The VA rates Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology under Diagnostic Code 7121 across 6 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. 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 7121 at a glance

Minimum rating
0%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
100%

Full schedular disability

Rating tiers
6

0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%

CFR section
§ 4.104

Where this code is published

Body system
Cardiovascular System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology?

RatingCriteria
0%

Asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins

10%

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

20%

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

40%

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

60%

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

100%

Massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest

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

These diagnostic codes sit next to Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology 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.

  1. 7112Aneurysm, any small arteryRated up to 0%
  2. 7113Arteriovenous fistula, traumaticRated up to 100%
  3. 7114Peripheral arterial diseaseRated up to 100%
  4. 7115Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease)Rated up to 100%
  5. 7117Raynaud's syndrome (also known as secondary Raynaud's phenomenon or secondary Raynaud's)Rated up to 100%
  6. 7118Angioneurotic edemaRated up to 40%
  7. 7119ErythromelalgiaRated up to 100%
  8. 7122Cold injury residualsRated up to 30%
  9. 7123Soft tissue sarcoma (of vascular origin)Rated up to 100%
  10. 7124Raynaud's disease (also known as primary Raynaud's)Rated up to 10%
All 27 cardiovascular conditions

The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.

Common Questions About Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology?

The VA rates Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology under Diagnostic Code 7121 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins. The maximum 100% rating requires: Massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology?

The VA rates Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7121, 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 0% and a 100% rating for Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology?

A 0% rating requires: Asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins. A 100% rating requires: Massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology qualify for TDIU?

Yes — a 100% rating for Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.

What evidence supports a higher rating for Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology?

The key evidence for Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology 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 Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology?

The C&P examiner uses a Cardiovascular System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7121 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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