EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
← All Condition GuidesCLAIM RECON INTEL
Raynaud's Syndrome VA Disability Rating
DC 7117 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.104 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2.D
OVERVIEW
Raynaud's Syndrome (secondary Raynaud's phenomenon) is rated under DC 7117 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.104. Rating based on attack frequency and severity. Characteristic attacks consist of sequential color changes of the digits (white-blue-red) lasting minutes to hours, precipitated by cold or emotional stress. Evaluations are for Raynaud's syndrome as a whole regardless of how many extremities are affected — no bilateral factor applies. Veterans may develop Raynaud's from cold exposure during service, vibrating tool use, or secondary to service-connected autoimmune conditions.
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
100% — 2+ digital ulcers with auto-amputation
Two or more digital ulcers plus auto-amputation of one or more digits and history of characteristic attacks.
60% — 2+ digital ulcers, no auto-amputation
Two or more digital ulcers and history of characteristic attacks.
40% — Characteristic attacks at least daily
Characteristic attacks occurring at least daily.
20% — Attacks 4-6 times per week
Characteristic attacks occurring four to six times per week.
10% — Attacks 1-3 times per week
Characteristic attacks occurring one to three times per week.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Clinical evaluation confirming Raynaud's with characteristic tricolor changes
-Documentation of attack frequency: diary of daily/weekly episodes
-Photographs of digital ulcers if present
-Service records documenting cold exposure, vibrating tool use, or occupational nexus
-Records of autoimmune conditions if secondary (lupus, scleroderma, RA)
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)
DC 7801/7804
Raynaud's-related digital ulcers cause scars — rate under scar codes.
DC 8520
Severe Raynaud's and digital ischemia cause sensory neuropathy.
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Document attack frequency with a diary — attacks per week is the primary rating driver.
2.Attacks producing white-blue-red color changes are the defining feature.
3.Raynaud's secondary to service-connected lupus, RA, or scleroderma is a strong nexus.
4.Cold injuries during service (frostbite) can cause secondary Raynaud's — well-documented nexus.
5.Note: evaluations cover Raynaud's as a whole regardless of extremities affected. No bilateral factor under § 4.26.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.104, DC 7117 Note (1)
Characteristic attacks consist of sequential color changes of the digits lasting minutes to hours, precipitated by cold or emotional upsets. Evaluations are for Raynaud's syndrome as a whole regardless of number of extremities affected.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Daily attacks: 40% = $673.28/mo. Digital ulcers: 60% = $1,131.68/mo. Auto-amputation: 100% = $3,938.58/mo.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026