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Varicose Veins VA Disability Rating
DC 7120 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.104 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.8
OVERVIEW
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins visible under the skin, most common in the legs. In veterans, they develop from prolonged standing, heavy lifting, wearing body armor, and field conditions. Each extremity is rated separately under DC 7120. The condition is common in infantry, military police, guards, and any MOS requiring extended standing.
RATING CRITERIA (6 LEVELS)
100% — Massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest
Rate under DC 7121 (Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology). Massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest — attributable to venous disease.
60% — Persistent edema + stasis pigmentation/eczema + persistent ulceration
Persistent edema or subcutaneous induration, stasis pigmentation or eczema, AND persistent ulceration.
40% — Persistent edema + stasis pigmentation/eczema, with or without intermittent ulceration
Persistent edema AND stasis pigmentation or eczema, with or without intermittent ulceration.
20% — Persistent edema, incompletely relieved by elevation, with beginning pigmentation or eczema
Persistent edema incompletely relieved by elevation of extremity, with or without beginning stasis pigmentation or eczema.
10% — Intermittent edema or leg aching/fatigue relieved by elevation
Intermittent edema of extremity OR aching and fatigue in leg after prolonged standing/walking, with symptoms relieved by elevation of extremity or compression hosiery.
0% — Asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins
Asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins without edema, pigmentation, or ulceration. File for service connection to protect effective date.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Venous doppler ultrasound showing venous reflux or insufficiency
-Photography of varicose veins and any skin changes (stasis dermatitis, ulceration)
-Service records documenting prolonged standing, heavy loads, or physically demanding duties
-Treatment records for compression stockings, sclerotherapy, or vein surgery
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)
DC 7806
Venous insufficiency causes skin inflammation and discoloration around affected veins.
DC 7121
Varicose veins increase DVT risk.
C&P EXAM TIPS (3)
1.Each leg is rated separately. Bilateral varicose veins get the bilateral factor.
2.Do NOT wear compression stockings to the exam. The examiner needs to see the edema and veins at baseline.
3.Have photographs of your legs on your worst days, showing swelling, discoloration, and visible veins.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.104, DC 7120 (rates as DC 7121)
Varicose veins (DC 7120) rate under DC 7121 (post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology). Note: evaluate each extremity separately and combine under § 4.25, with bilateral factor (§ 4.26) where applicable.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Bilateral varicose veins at 20% each with bilateral factor combines to approximately 36% + 3.6% = ~40%, worth $795.38/mo.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026