How the VA Rates Varicose Veins
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7121 (post-phlebitic syndrome; DC 7120 varicose veins is evaluated under DC 7121) — rated per extremity criteria a VA rater evaluates Varicose Veins against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7121 (post-phlebitic syndrome; DC 7120 varicose veins is evaluated under DC 7121) — rated per extremity
Varicose Veins · 6 levels
- 100%$3,938.58a month
- 60%$1,435.02a month
- 40%$795.84a month
- 20%$356.66a month
- 10%$180.42a month
- 0%$0 · still service-connected
2026 VA rates (effective December 1, 2025), veteran alone, as the only rated condition. VA decides the level.
Key facts
- Regulation
- 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7121 (post-phlebitic syndrome; DC 7120 varicose veins is evaluated under DC 7121) — rated per extremity
- Diagnostic codes
- 7120, 7121
- Levels in the schedule
- 0% · 10% · 20% · 40% · 60% · 100%
- Top level (100%) pays
- $3,938.58/month2026, veteran alone
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7121 (post-phlebitic syndrome; DC 7120 varicose veins is evaluated under DC 7121) — rated per extremity for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.
- 100%
$3,938.58/month
Massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Massive, board-like leg swelling
- Constant pain even at rest
- Profound functional impairment
- 60%
$1,435.02/month
Persistent edema or subcutaneous induration, stasis pigmentation or eczema, and persistent ulceration.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Persistent leg ulceration
- Hardened (indurated) tissue and chronic skin changes
- Severe, ongoing impairment
- 40%
$795.84/month
Persistent edema and stasis pigmentation or eczema, with or without intermittent ulceration.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Constant swelling with skin pigmentation or eczema
- Intermittent skin ulceration
- Marked limitation of standing/walking
- 20%
$356.66/month
Persistent edema, incompletely relieved by elevation of the extremity, with or without beginning stasis pigmentation or eczema.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Persistent swelling not fully relieved by elevation
- Early skin discoloration (stasis pigmentation) or eczema
- Heaviness or discomfort most of the day
- 10%
$180.42/month
Intermittent edema of the extremity, or aching and fatigue in the leg after prolonged standing or walking, relieved by elevation of the extremity or compression hosiery.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Aching/fatigue in the leg after standing or walking
- Intermittent swelling
- Relieved by elevation or compression stockings
- 0%
$0/month (0% is still service-connected)
Asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Visible or palpable varicose veins
- No pain, swelling, or skin changes
The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.
C&P exam tips for Varicose Veins
- 1What wins this rating: documentation of edema (intermittent vs. persistent), whether elevation/compression relieves it, and skin changes (stasis pigmentation, eczema, ulceration) — each extremity is rated separately.
- 2Note whether symptoms persist despite compression hosiery and elevation.
- 3Photograph any skin discoloration or ulcers and bring vascular study results if available.
- 4Describe standing and walking tolerance and how the legs feel by the end of the day.
Common mistakes on Varicose Veins claims
- Not having each leg rated separately when both are affected.
- Failing to document persistent edema and skin changes (pigmentation, eczema, ulcers).
- Not noting that elevation/compression only partially relieves symptoms (key for 20%+).
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for Varicose Veins?
Varicose Veins is rated under 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7121 (post-phlebitic syndrome; DC 7120 varicose veins is evaluated under DC 7121) — rated per extremity — diagnostic codes 7120, 7121.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for Varicose Veins?
100% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Varicose Veins. The criteria at that level describe: Massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest.
How much does a 100% VA rating for Varicose Veins pay in 2026?
$3,938.58 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.
Build your Varicose Veins claim documentation
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Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.