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Cold Injury Residuals VA Disability Rating
DC 7122 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.104 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.8
OVERVIEW
Cold injury residuals (frostbite, chilblain, trench foot) are rated under DC 7122 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.104. Each affected body part is rated separately. Cold injuries are common among infantry, airborne, mountain warfare, and cold-weather operations veterans. The VA rates residuals based on ongoing symptoms including arthralgia (joint pain), numbness, cold sensitivity, color changes, and tissue loss. For Korean War veterans, cold injury residuals are a presumptive condition.
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
30% -- Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity PLUS two or more of the following
Two or more of: tissue loss, nail abnormalities, color changes, locally impaired sensation, hyperhidrosis, or X-ray abnormalities (osteoporosis, subarticular punched-out lesions, osteoarthritis) of the affected parts.
20% -- Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity PLUS tissue loss, nail abnormalities, color changes, locally impaired sensation, hyperhidrosis, or X-ray abnormalities
Pain/numbness/cold sensitivity plus one of the additional findings listed.
10% -- Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity
Pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity in the affected body part without additional findings.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service records documenting cold weather operations, deployment locations, or cold injury treatment
-X-rays showing osteoporosis, subarticular lesions, or osteoarthritis in affected extremities
-Documentation of ongoing cold sensitivity, numbness, color changes, or nail abnormalities
-Buddy statements describing cold exposure conditions during service
-Vascular studies showing circulatory impairment in affected extremities
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (4 MAPPED)
DC 8521
Cold injury causes direct nerve damage producing chronic neuropathy in affected extremities.
DC 5003
Cold injury accelerates joint degeneration in affected areas, especially hands and feet.
DC 7117
Cold injury damages vascular regulation, causing Raynaud's phenomenon in affected extremities.
DC 9434/9413
Chronic pain and functional limitation from cold injury residuals cause psychological conditions.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.Each affected body part is rated SEPARATELY. Bilateral feet, bilateral hands, ears, and nose can each receive their own 10-30% rating.
2.Report cold sensitivity specifically. If your hands or feet hurt in air conditioning, that is a ratable symptom.
3.Bring X-rays showing joint changes in affected areas. X-ray abnormalities support the 20-30% levels.
4.Document nail changes, skin color changes, and any tissue loss. Photograph these before your exam.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Cold injury rated separately for each body part: bilateral feet at 30% each + bilateral hands at 20% each with bilateral factor can produce a combined rating of 70-80% from cold injury alone. This is one of the most underrated conditions in terms of total compensation value.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026