EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Peripheral Vascular Disease
✓ VERIFIED AGAINST 38 C.F.R.§ 4.104 (Cardiovascular system) · reviewed 2026-05-15 · ClaimRecon Editorial Team
Peripheral Vascular Disease is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7114 of 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7114 across 4 severity tiers (10% / 30% / 60% / 100%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Coronary Artery Disease or Stroke under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.
OVERVIEW
Reduced blood flow to the extremities due to narrowed or blocked arteries, causing pain with walking
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
10%
Workload of greater than 7 METs but not greater than 10 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or continuous medication required.
30%
Workload of greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation on EKG, echocardiogram, or X-ray.
60%
More than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year; or workload of greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or left ventricular dysfunction with ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent.
100%
Chronic congestive heart failure; or workload of 3 METs or less results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or left ventricular dysfunction with ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records
-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records
-Buddy/lay statements
-Prescription history
-Employment impact documentation
-Any relevant diagnostic testing
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (7 MAPPED)
DC
Systemic atherosclerosis affects all arteries
DC
Indicates widespread vascular disease
DC
Poor circulation prevents healing
DC
Severe ischemia causes tissue death
DC
Critical limb ischemia may require amputation
DC
Chronic pain and disability cause depression
DC
Reduced blood flow affects sexual function
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.
2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.
3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.
4.Mention all medications and their side effects.
5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.
SECONDARY CONDITIONS
MORE IN CARDIOVASCULAR
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.104 (Cardiovascular system). Source verified 2026-05-15 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team during a regulation-text comparison against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026