Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins, usually in the legs, that can cause aching, swelling, skin changes, and ulcers. VA rates them per affected leg based on edema, skin changes, and ulceration.
How the VA rates it
Under the current schedule, DC 7120 directs that varicose veins be evaluated using the criteria at DC 7121. Ratings run from 0 percent for asymptomatic visible veins up to 100 percent for massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest. Each affected extremity is rated separately and the ratings are combined, with the bilateral factor added when both legs are involved - so 10 percent in each leg is worth more than a single 10 percent.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 100%Massive board-like edema (swelling) with constant pain at rest.
Persistent edema or subcutaneous induration (hardened tissue under the skin), stasis pigmentation (skin discoloration) or eczema, and persistent ulceration.
Persistent edema and stasis pigmentation or eczema, with or without intermittent ulceration.
Persistent edema that is not completely relieved by elevating the leg, with or without beginning stasis pigmentation or eczema.
Intermittent edema, or aching and fatigue in the leg after prolonged standing or walking, with symptoms relieved by elevation or compression hosiery.
Asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Venous stasis ulcers and skin changes — Advanced varicose disease causes stasis dermatitis and ulcers; these are built into the higher rating tiers rather than rated separately.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — Vein damage after DVT commonly produces varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency; rated under the same DC 7121 criteria.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Document whether swelling goes away with elevation - 'persistent edema incompletely relieved by elevation' is the dividing line between 10 and 20 percent.
- Photograph and have your provider chart skin changes (brownish stasis pigmentation, eczema) and any ulcers - these drive the 40 and 60 percent levels.
- If both legs are affected, make sure each leg is examined and rated separately - combined ratings with the bilateral factor pay more.
- Keep records of compression stocking prescriptions and vascular studies (venous Doppler/ultrasound).
Rating rules to know
The evaluation covers one extremity; multiple affected extremities are rated separately and combined under 38 CFR 4.25 with the bilateral factor (38 CFR 4.26) when applicable.
Related diagnostic codes
More heart & circulatory conditions
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension is chronically elevated blood pressure. VA rates it on your actual documented blood pressure readings, with a minimum 10 percent rating for veterans who need continuous medication and have a history of diastolic pressure of 100 or more.
Rated up to 60%
Coronary Artery Disease (Ischemic Heart Disease)
Coronary artery disease is narrowing of the heart's arteries that limits blood flow. VA rates it under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart, based on the exercise workload (in METs) at which heart failure symptoms appear.
Rated up to 100%
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, often rapid heart rhythm. VA rates it under DC 7010 (supraventricular tachycardia) based on how many treatment interventions you need per year, with a maximum schedular rating of 30 percent.
Rated up to 30%
Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (Post-Phlebitic Syndrome)
Post-thrombotic syndrome is chronic leg swelling, pain, skin changes, and sometimes ulcers that develop after a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) damages the vein. VA rates it per affected leg on edema, skin changes, and ulceration.
Rated up to 100%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.