VA Disability Rating for Varicose Veins: How DC 7120 and 7121 Work (2026)
Quick answer: The VA rates varicose veins under Diagnostic Code 7120, which sends the rater to Diagnostic Code 7121 (post-phlebitic syndrome). Each affected leg is rated separately from 0% to 100% based on edema, skin changes (stasis pigmentation or eczema) and ulceration, then the leg ratings are combined. For 2026, a veteran with no dependents at 10% is listed at $180.42 per month.
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins, most often in the legs. Many veterans spent years standing, marching and carrying heavy loads, and some develop leg swelling, aching, skin changes or ulcers. This guide explains how the VA's rating schedule treats varicose veins, what each percentage level describes, how two legs are handled, and what kinds of evidence are typically relevant. It cannot predict how the VA will decide any individual claim.
How does the VA rate varicose veins?
Varicose veins appear in the cardiovascular section of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities, 38 CFR § 4.104. The entry for Diagnostic Code 7120 (varicose veins) is short: it says to evaluate under Diagnostic Code 7121. DC 7121 covers post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology, with findings attributed to venous disease.
Because the rating is based on what the exam shows, a diagnosis alone does not set the percentage. The rater looks at edema (swelling), whether it is relieved by elevation, stasis pigmentation or eczema, and ulceration. You can read the schedule text on the eCFR page for 38 CFR § 4.104.
What are the rating levels and what do they pay?
The table below quotes the criteria for a single extremity under DC 7121 and lists the 2026 monthly compensation for a veteran alone (no dependents) at the matching combined rating, effective December 1, 2025, from the VA compensation rates page. Your actual payment depends on your total combined rating from all conditions, not on this one rating alone.
| Rating (per leg) | Criteria (DC 7121) | 2026 pay if this were your combined rating, veteran alone |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins | $0 (not compensable) |
| 10% | Intermittent edema of extremity or aching and fatigue in leg after prolonged standing or walking, with symptoms relieved by elevation of extremity or compression hosiery | $180.42 |
| 20% | Persistent edema, incompletely relieved by elevation of extremity, with or without beginning stasis pigmentation or eczema | $356.66 |
| 40% | Persistent edema and stasis pigmentation or eczema, with or without intermittent ulceration | $795.84 |
| 60% | Persistent edema or subcutaneous induration, stasis pigmentation or eczema, and persistent ulceration | $1,435.02 |
| 100% | Massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest | $3,938.58 |
Note: Rates with a spouse, children or parents are higher at 30% and above. The VA rates page lists each combination.
For help converting several ratings into one, see our combined ratings formula guide and the full 2026 pay rates chart.
How are two legs rated?
The note under DC 7121 says the evaluations are for involvement of a single extremity. If more than one extremity is involved, the VA evaluates each separately and combines them under 38 CFR § 4.25, using the bilateral factor under § 4.26 if applicable.
Under § 4.26, the ratings for the right and left sides are combined as usual, then 10 percent of that combined value is added before any further combining. As an illustration only: two legs each rated 20% combine to 36%, and the bilateral factor adds 3.6, giving 39.6%, which would round to 40% if it were your only disability. Final ratings are rounded to the nearest 10 after all combining. Our bilateral factor guide walks through more examples.
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Not sure how your vein condition fits the rating schedule? A VA-accredited attorney can review your situation. Attorney fees for VA claims are regulated, and you can ask about fee terms before you agree to anything.
Connect with a VA Attorney →How can varicose veins be service connected?
Service connection generally requires a current diagnosis, an in-service event, injury or illness, and a medical link between them (direct service connection under 38 CFR § 3.303). The VA also recognizes secondary service connection under § 3.310, where a service-connected disability caused or aggravated another condition.
Varicose veins are not on the PACT Act presumptive list, so a claim relies on your own service and medical records. Related vascular conditions have their own pages, including peripheral artery disease and Raynaud's disease. Whether a medical opinion supports a link is a decision for the clinician and the VA.
What evidence is usually relevant?
- Service treatment records mentioning leg swelling, vein problems, or long periods on your feet.
- Current treatment records from a vascular doctor or primary care: exam findings, ultrasound results, and notes on swelling, skin changes or ulcers.
- Symptom descriptions: how often swelling occurs, whether elevation helps, and how standing or walking affects you. Dated photos of skin changes or ulcers can help document what you describe.
- A medical opinion if the link to service or to another service-connected condition is not obvious. See nexus letter vs. DBQ and our DBQ guide.
The VA may schedule a compensation and pension exam. Our C&P exam tips cover how to prepare, and evidence types explains what the VA accepts.
What if my varicose veins get worse?
If your condition has worsened since your last rating, you can file a claim for increase and submit current medical evidence. The VA decides based on the exam findings, and the result can stay the same, go up, or occasionally change. For the general process, see how to increase your VA disability rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
The VA rates varicose veins under Diagnostic Code 7120, which directs the rater to evaluate them under Diagnostic Code 7121 (post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology). Ratings run from 0% to 100% for each affected leg, based on edema, skin changes and ulceration. Source: 38 CFR § 4.104.
The highest rating under DC 7121 is 100%, described as massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest. The schedule applies to one extremity, so each leg is evaluated separately and the results are combined.
The 10% criteria describe intermittent edema or aching and fatigue in the leg after prolonged standing or walking, with symptoms relieved by elevation or compression hosiery. The 20% level asks about persistent edema that is incompletely relieved by elevation. Needing compression hosiery does not by itself set a rating; the examiner looks at your actual findings.
Yes. The note under DC 7121 says the evaluations are for involvement of a single extremity. If more than one extremity is involved, each is evaluated separately and combined under 38 CFR § 4.25, using the bilateral factor in § 4.26 if applicable.
Secondary service connection is possible under 38 CFR § 3.310 when a service-connected disability caused or aggravated the condition. Whether that applies to you depends on your medical evidence and a medical opinion, which the VA decides case by case.
A 0% rating applies to asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins. The condition is service connected but not compensable, meaning no monthly payment. It can still matter later if symptoms worsen and you file for an increase.
For a veteran with no dependents, effective December 1, 2025, VA lists 10% at $180.42 per month and 40% at $795.84 per month. See the VA rates page for rates with dependents.
You can file a claim for increase using VA Form 21-526EZ and submit current medical evidence showing worsening. The VA may schedule a compensation exam. This is not a guarantee of a higher rating; the decision depends on the findings.