DC 7121Cardiovascular System38 CFR § 4.104

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%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.

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

Part 4 rating schedule

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

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, 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 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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