38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.104
Varicose Veins
dc-7120-varicose-veins
Cardiovascular
Diagnostic code
7120
Why your DC matters: DC 7120 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 7120 — Varicose Veins — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.104 in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Educational index row from the rating schedule naming convention; confirm exact diagnostic code, effective date, and criteria in the current eCFR Part 4.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (7120) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7120”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 7120 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 7120 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
Varicose veins under DC 7120 are rated PER LEG. Each leg gets its own rating, then they combine — bilateral involvement with the § 4.25 bilateral factor often pushes the combined far higher than veterans expect. The schedule rewards persistent symptoms (edema, stasis pigmentation, eczema, ulceration) more than appearance. Veterans rated 10% for cosmetic prominence often qualify for 20% or 40% once stasis changes are documented.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest. | Severe persistent edema unresponsive to elevation/compression; chronic pain documented at multiple visits. |
| 60% | Persistent edema or subcutaneous induration, stasis pigmentation or eczema, AND persistent ulceration. | Doppler ultrasound + clinical exam documenting all three findings; wound-care records for ulcers. |
| 40% | Persistent edema and stasis pigmentation or eczema, with or without intermittent ulceration. | Doppler + photos of pigmentation changes; wound-care records if ulceration. |
| 20% | Persistent edema, incompletely relieved by elevation of extremity, with or without beginning stasis pigmentation or eczema. | Compression stocking Rx; documented edema not resolved by elevation; early pigmentation changes. |
| 10% | Intermittent edema or aching and fatigue in leg after prolonged standing or walking, with symptoms relieved by elevation or compression hosiery. | Provider note documenting symptoms; compression stocking use. |
| 0% | Asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins. | Visible veins only; no functional impact. |
What Qualifies Under DC 7120?
Diagnosis of varicose veins / chronic venous insufficiency
Confirmed by exam or vascular ultrasound. Each leg rates separately.
Symptom-driven tier escalation
DC 7120 schedule (per leg):
- • 0% — asymptomatic
- • 10% — intermittent edema/aching, relieved by elevation/stockings
- • 20% — persistent edema, incompletely relieved by elevation
- • 40% — persistent edema + stasis pigmentation or eczema
- • 60% — persistent edema + stasis + persistent ulceration
- • 100% — board-like edema with constant pain at rest
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“Persistent edema, incompletely relieved by elevation”
20% gate. 'Persistent' = present most days. 'Incompletely relieved by elevation' = doesn't fully resolve with leg up. Both required.
“Persistent edema AND stasis pigmentation OR eczema”
Conjunctive. Stasis pigmentation (brownish discoloration of lower-leg skin) or stasis dermatitis (eczema-like rash) plus persistent edema. Both prongs needed.
“Persistent ulceration”
Ulceration present and not fully healed. Even small chronic ulcers count. Wound-care records seal this rating.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Vascular ultrasound (Doppler)
CRITICALConfirms venous insufficiency and identifies involved veins. Foundational evidence.
Photographs of stasis changes
CRITICALColor photos of lower-leg pigmentation, eczema, or ulceration. Photos with date stamps outweigh narrative descriptions.
Compression-stocking Rx + provider note on edema persistence
IMPORTANTEstablishes treatment + documents whether edema is relieved.
Wound-care records for any ulcers
CRITICALEven healed ulcers count toward 'intermittent ulceration' for 40%. Persistent open ulcers = 60%.
C&P Exam Tips
Schedule the exam later in the day
Edema is worst after prolonged standing. Morning exams often show minimal swelling. Afternoon exams capture realistic findings.
Bring photos of stasis pigmentation or eczema
Brown-tinged skin or eczema-like rash on lower legs. Document at home in good light if examiner doesn't note it.
Mention every prior compression stocking + each new ulcer
Treatment escalation and ulcer history are core to 40%/60% tiers.
Don't say 'just cosmetic'
If you say varicose veins are 'just cosmetic,' you're at 0%. Describe edema, achiness after standing, sleep disruption from leg pain.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Filing as one bilateral condition
DC 7120 rates EACH LEG. File right and left separately. Bilateral factor (§ 4.25) adds 10% of the combined value.
Not refiling after stasis changes develop
Stasis pigmentation often develops years after the varicose vein diagnosis. Each new finding can move the tier up.
Letting ulcers heal without documentation
Even healed ulcers count toward 'intermittent ulceration' (40%) if documented. Get wound-care records before refiling.
Tactical Plays
⚡ Always file BOTH LEGS — bilateral factor adds value
Two 20% legs aren't 40% combined — they're 36% rounded to 40% with the § 4.25 bilateral factor (10% of 36 added). Many veterans file one leg, missing the bilateral bump.
⚡ Stasis pigmentation is the 20→40% bridge
Brown discoloration of the lower legs (stasis pigmentation) is what moves a 20% rating to 40%. Get a primary care or dermatology note documenting it explicitly.
⚡ Document any ulcer history — even healed
'Intermittent ulceration' qualifies 40% even if currently healed. Pull wound-care records for any past leg ulcer.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Stasis dermatitis / eczema
MODERATEDC 7806
Chronic venous insufficiency causes stasis eczema; may rate separately under DC 7806 if disabling.
Post-phlebitic syndrome / DVT history
SITUATIONALDC 7121
DVT history rates under DC 7121 (post-phlebitic syndrome), separate from varicose veins.
Recurrent cellulitis
SITUATIONALRecurrent cellulitis from stasis ulcers documented as separate disabling condition.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
10% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$180.42
TOTAL
$180.42/mo
One leg, intermittent edema relieved by stockings.
20% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$356.66
TOTAL
$356.66/mo
One leg, persistent edema not fully relieved by elevation.
40% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$795.84
TOTAL
$795.84/mo
One leg, persistent edema + stasis pigmentation or eczema.
Bilateral 20% (right + left)
Base rating
$795.84
TOTAL
$795.84/mo
Two 20% legs combine to ~36% then +3.6 bilateral factor = 40% rounded.
60% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$1,435.02
TOTAL
$1,435.02/mo
One leg, persistent ulceration.
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
🟤What is 'Stasis Pigmentation'?
Brown discoloration of the lower legs caused by chronic venous insufficiency and hemoglobin breakdown in stagnant blood. A 40% rating driver.
🌿What is 'Stasis Dermatitis'?
Eczema-like rash on the lower legs from chronic venous insufficiency. Alternative 40% path alongside stasis pigmentation.
⚖️What is the § 4.25 Bilateral Factor?
When two extremities are affected by the same or similar disability, the combined rating is computed, then 10% of that combined value is added before final rounding. Significantly boosts bilateral varicose vein ratings.
How to File Your Claim
Get vascular ultrasound documenting insufficiency
Doppler study confirming reflux and identifying involved veins.
File 21-526EZ listing RIGHT and LEFT leg separately
Each leg = own claim line under DC 7120. Don't let VA collapse into single bilateral rating.
Submit photos + stasis pigmentation/eczema documentation
Color photos with dates. Provider note describing brown discoloration or eczema-like changes.
Provide wound-care records for any ulcers
Each ulcer history supports the 40%/60% tier — even if currently healed.
Re-file when symptoms progress
Stasis changes often develop years after diagnosis. Each new finding can bump the rating.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
Each leg rates separately — file both
DC 7120 is per-extremity. Bilateral involvement with the § 4.25 factor commonly pushes the combined rating significantly higher.
Stasis pigmentation is the 40% gatekeeper
Brown lower-leg discoloration is the most overlooked finding. Get a clinical photo + provider note.
Intermittent ulceration still qualifies for 40%
Past ulcers that healed still count if documented. Pull old wound-care records.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Are varicose veins rated per leg or combined?
Per leg, with § 4.25 bilateral factor when both are affected. Each leg is its own claim line; the combined value gets a 10% bilateral bump.
What if my varicose veins are only cosmetic?
Asymptomatic visible veins rate 0%. But many veterans with 'cosmetic' veins actually have edema after prolonged standing — describe the functional impact.
Can I get a rating for venous insufficiency without surgery?
Yes. Treatment is not a rating criterion — symptoms are. Conservative management with compression stockings still supports 10%/20% based on edema severity.
Does diabetes affect varicose vein ratings?
Diabetic neuropathy and stasis ulcers can co-occur and ulcer rating may be complicated. Each rates separately — varicose under 7120, neuropathy under 8520/8521.
Official Regulatory Source
Varicose veins are rated under 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7120. Each leg is rated separately.
38 CFR § 4.104 — Cardiovascular System (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 7120.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7120, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 7120 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.