EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Peripheral Artery Disease VA Disability Rating
DC 7114 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.104 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2.D
OVERVIEW
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is rated under DC 7114 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.104. Rating is measured objectively using Ankle/Brachial Index (ABI), ankle pressure (AP), toe pressure (TP), or transcutaneous oxygen tension (Tc PO2). Veterans must request objective vascular testing during their C&P exam — required unless medically contraindicated or 100% is assignable on another basis.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
100%
ABI ≤0.39; OR ankle pressure <50 mmHg; OR toe pressure <30 mmHg; OR transcutaneous oxygen tension <30 mmHg.
60%
ABI 0.40-0.53; OR ankle pressure 50-65 mmHg; OR toe pressure 30-39 mmHg; OR transcutaneous oxygen tension 30-39 mmHg.
40%
ABI 0.54-0.66; OR ankle pressure 66-83 mmHg; OR toe pressure 40-49 mmHg; OR transcutaneous oxygen tension 40-49 mmHg.
20%
ABI 0.67-0.79; OR ankle pressure 84-99 mmHg; OR toe pressure 50-59 mmHg; OR transcutaneous oxygen tension 50-59 mmHg.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-ABI testing results — primary rating driver
-Ankle pressure, toe pressure, and/or transcutaneous oxygen tension measurements
-Vascular ultrasound or angiography
-Service records documenting risk factors: heavy physical demands, cold exposure
-Records of symptoms: claudication, rest pain, non-healing wounds
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (3 MAPPED)
DC 8520
Ischemia from severe PAD causes peripheral neuropathy.
DC 7801/7802
Severe PAD causes ischemic wounds and ulcers.
DC 7101
Hypertension is a primary risk factor and comorbidity with PAD.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.Demand objective vascular testing at your C&P exam — specifically request ABI testing. Rating is entirely based on objective measurements.
2.If ABI testing unavailable, request ankle pressure, toe pressure, or transcutaneous oxygen tension testing.
3.PAD rates bilaterally — both legs tested and rated separately. Bilateral factor (38 C.F.R. § 4.26) adds 10%.
4.Diabetics: ABI may be falsely elevated due to arterial calcification — request toe pressure instead.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.104, DC 7114 Note (2)
If AP, TP, and Tc PO2 are not of record, evaluate based on ABI unless examiner states another test is needed. VA has a Duty to Assist error if testing is skipped.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Bilateral PAD at 40% each = ~64% combined (70% after rounding) = ~$1,808/mo. PAD is often underrated because examiners skip objective testing — demanding ABI can jump claim from 20% to 60%.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026