VASRD 7123 · Cardiovascular / Lymphatic System

Chronic Lymphedema VA Disability Rating

Swelling in arms or legs due to a blocked lymphatic system, often painful or disabling.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
60%Severe constant swelling
40%Ongoing swelling and flare-ups
20%Occasional swelling

How the VA Evaluates Chronic Lymphedema

Severity of swelling, frequency of infection, limb mobility, response to compression therapy.

Approval rate

High (~75%) if supported by imaging

Annual service-connected

300 veterans

Average rating

40%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Lymphoscintigraphy
  • •Dermatology and vascular notes

Strategy Tips

  • •Photograph swelling daily over a month
  • •Include notes from compression therapy

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Swelling not photographed or measured
  • •Symptoms dismissed as weight-related

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No record of recurrent infections
  • •No daily limitation description

Onset Patterns

  • •Post-surgery, radiation therapy, infection

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Chronic Lymphedema. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Cellulitis

    Frequent infections

  • Depression

    Chronic appearance changes

Common questions about Chronic Lymphedema

Is Chronic Lymphedema a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Chronic Lymphedema under VASRD diagnostic code 7123 (Cardiovascular / Lymphatic System). Swelling in arms or legs due to a blocked lymphatic system, often painful or disabling.
What VA disability rating can I get for Chronic Lymphedema?
Possible VA ratings for Chronic Lymphedema are 60%, 40%, 20%. Examples: 60% — Severe constant swelling; 40% — Ongoing swelling and flare-ups; 20% — Occasional swelling.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Chronic Lymphedema?
The average awarded rating for Chronic Lymphedema is 40%. Roughly 300 veterans are service-connected for Chronic Lymphedema each year. Typical approval likelihood: High (~75%) if supported by imaging.
What evidence helps prove Chronic Lymphedema for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Chronic Lymphedema claim includes: Lymphoscintigraphy; Dermatology and vascular notes.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Chronic Lymphedema?
Common pitfalls when filing for Chronic Lymphedema: No record of recurrent infections; No daily limitation description.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Chronic Lymphedema?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Chronic Lymphedema include: Cellulitis, Depression. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Chronic Lymphedema combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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