VA Disability Rating for Varicose Veins (DC 7120)
Diagnostic Code 7120 · 38 CFR §4.104
What Is It?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that typically appear in the legs and feet. They develop when the valves inside veins weaken and allow blood to pool, causing the veins to swell and become visible under the skin. Veterans commonly develop varicose veins from prolonged standing during duty, heavy physical demands, or injuries that damage leg veins. Varicose veins can cause aching, heaviness, swelling, skin changes, and in severe cases ulceration. DC 7120 assigns no percentage of its own. Its entry in 38 CFR 4.104 is a single line — evaluate under diagnostic code 7121 — and the rating column beside it is empty. DC 7121 is post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology, and it is where every varicose-vein evaluation actually comes from. That code runs 100, 60, 40, 20, 10 and 0 percent on findings attributed to venous disease: massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest is 100; persistent edema or subcutaneous induration, stasis pigmentation or eczema, and persistent ulceration is 60; persistent edema and stasis pigmentation or eczema, with or without intermittent ulceration, is 40; persistent edema incompletely relieved by elevation of the extremity, with or without beginning stasis pigmentation or eczema, is 20; intermittent edema of the extremity, or aching and fatigue in the leg after prolonged standing or walking with symptoms relieved by elevation of the extremity or compression hosiery, is 10; and asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins is 0. A Note to DC 7121 makes each evaluation a single extremity — where more than one is involved, each is evaluated separately and combined under 38 CFR 4.25, with the bilateral factor at 38 CFR 4.26 where it applies — which is why varicose veins in both legs are two claims, not one.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| See pathways | DC 7120 assigns no percentages of its own — its rating cell in 38 CFR 4.104 is empty. The entry is one line: evaluate under diagnostic code 7121. DC 7121 is post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology, and it runs 100, 60, 40, 20, 10 and 0 percent on findings attributed to venous disease. 100 percent is massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest. 60 percent is persistent edema or subcutaneous induration, stasis pigmentation or eczema, and persistent ulceration. 40 percent is persistent edema and stasis pigmentation or eczema, with or without intermittent ulceration. 20 percent is persistent edema incompletely relieved by elevation of the extremity, with or without beginning stasis pigmentation or eczema. 10 percent is intermittent edema of the extremity, or aching and fatigue in the leg after prolonged standing or walking with symptoms relieved by elevation of the extremity or compression hosiery. 0 percent is asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins. Those criteria, and the Note that makes each extremity a separate evaluation, are set out in full on the DC 7121 page. |
Evidence Needed
- Duplex venous ultrasound showing venous insufficiency and the extent of varicose veins
- Clinical photographs showing the varicose veins, any skin changes, and any ulcers
- Documentation of edema — measurements of leg circumference compared to the unaffected side
- Records of any procedures — vein stripping, ablation, sclerotherapy
- Documentation of compression stocking use and effectiveness
- Service medical records showing onset of leg symptoms during service
- Treatment records showing progression over time
C&P Exam Tips
- Wear shorts to the exam so the examiner can see your legs without changing
- If you have edema, do not elevate your legs for several hours before the exam so the swelling is visible
- Point out any skin color changes, hardening, eczema, or ulcers on your legs
- Describe your daily routine — how long you can stand, when swelling starts, what relieves it
- Each leg is rated separately, so make sure the examiner evaluates both legs individually
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ. Include venous ultrasound results, photographs of your legs, and evidence of service connection. Expect the evaluation itself to be assigned under DC 7121, which is where DC 7120 sends every varicose-vein claim. Make sure to claim each affected leg separately. Include records of compression stockings, surgical procedures, and any ulcer treatment.
Common Mistakes
Only claiming one leg when both are affected Each leg is rated separately. If you have varicose veins in both legs, claim each leg as a separate condition. Not documenting edema and skin changes The DC 7121 criteria this code routes into are built on edema severity, skin changes and ulceration, and on whether elevation relieves the swelling. Have your doctor document those specific findings at every visit. Not getting a venous ultrasound A duplex venous ultrasound objectively documents the venous insufficiency. Clinical observation alone may understate the severity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are both legs rated separately?
Yes. If you have varicose veins in both legs, each leg receives its own rating. Your combined disability rating includes both.
Does wearing compression stockings affect my rating?
Compression stockings are part of the assessment. Under DC 7121, the code DC 7120 routes into, the 10 percent evaluation covers intermittent edema, or aching and fatigue after prolonged standing or walking, where the symptoms are relieved by elevation of the extremity or by compression hosiery. Persistent edema that elevation does not fully relieve is the 20 percent evaluation.
Can I claim varicose veins from prolonged standing during service?
Yes. Veterans who had duties requiring long periods of standing — guards, cooks, mechanics, medical staff — commonly develop varicose veins that can be service-connected.