Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease)
The VA rates Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease) under Diagnostic Code 7115 across 4 severity levels, from 20% 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 7115 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 20%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.104
- Body system
- Cardiovascular System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
20%, 40%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Diminished upper extremity pulses |
| 40% | Trophic changes with numbness and paresthesia at the tips of the fingers, and diminished upper extremity pulses |
| 60% | Persistent coldness of the extremity, trophic changes with pains in the hands during physical activity, and diminished upper extremity pulses |
| 100% | Deep ischemic ulcers and necrosis of the fingers with persistent coldness of the extremity, trophic changes with pains in the hand during physical activity, and diminished upper extremity pulses |
“Persistent coldness of the extremity, trophic changes with pains in the hands during physical activity, and diminished upper extremity pulses”
What other cardiovascular conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease) 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.
- 7110Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominalRated up to 100%
- 7111Aneurysm, any large arteryRated up to 100%
- 7112Aneurysm, any small arteryRated up to 0%
- 7113Arteriovenous fistula, traumaticRated up to 100%
- 7114Peripheral arterial diseaseRated 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%
- 7122Cold injury residualsRated up to 30%
Common Questions About Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease)?
The VA rates Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease) under Diagnostic Code 7115 at 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 20% rating requires: Diminished upper extremity pulses. The maximum 100% rating requires: Deep ischemic ulcers and necrosis of the fingers with persistent coldness of the extremity, trophic changes with pains in the hand during physical activity, and diminished upper extremity pulses.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease)?
The VA rates Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7115, 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 Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease)?
A 20% rating requires: Diminished upper extremity pulses. A 100% rating requires: Deep ischemic ulcers and necrosis of the fingers with persistent coldness of the extremity, trophic changes with pains in the hand during physical activity, and diminished upper extremity pulses. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease) qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease) 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 Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease)?
The key evidence for Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease) 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 Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease)?
The C&P examiner uses a Cardiovascular System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7115 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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