VASRD 7122 · Cardiovascular / Neurological
Cold Injury Residuals VA Disability Rating
Damage from frostbite or cold exposure causing numbness, pain, skin discoloration or circulation issues.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Joint or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity PLUS two or more objective findings from the schedule's list (tissue loss, nail changes, color changes, impaired sensation, sweating changes, X-ray changes, muscle atrophy or fibrosis, joint deformity, fat pad loss, avascular necrosis, chronic ulceration, carpal or tarsal tunnel syndrome) |
| 20% | Joint or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity PLUS exactly one objective finding from that same list |
| 10% | Joint or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity, with no additional objective finding required |
How the VA Evaluates Cold Injury Residuals
The rating ranges from cold sensitivity only at the lowest tier, through pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity at the middle tier, up to pain, numbness, nail changes, and tissue loss at the highest tier, confirmed through skin exam findings and a history of cold-weather exposure.
Approval outlook
High (~75%) if stationed in cold zones with matching symptoms.
Veterans service-connected
~1,600 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~20%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •Cold weather duty documentation confirming your service in a qualifying location.
- •Skin exam findings documenting current residual effects.
Strategy Tips
- •Submit deployment orders or documentation of a cold-climate base assignment, since this is what establishes the presumptive service connection.
- •Describe circulation or skin issues in the affected areas specifically, since these are the physical findings the rating schedule depends on.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Downplaying numbness or other residual symptoms during the exam.
- •No documentation of cold zone exposure to support the presumptive connection.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Claiming the condition without deployment records confirming cold-weather service.
- •No current symptoms listed, leaving the claim without evidence of an ongoing residual effect.
Onset Patterns
- •Cold injury residuals typically stem from winter combat or field exposure, with symptoms sometimes not becoming apparent or bothersome until years later.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Cold Injury Residuals. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Raynaud’s Syndrome
Vascular narrowing
Peripheral Neuropathy
Nerve damage
Common Among These Military Jobs
Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Cold Injury Residuals is frequently claimed.
Common questions about Cold Injury Residuals
- Is Cold Injury Residuals a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Cold Injury Residuals under VASRD diagnostic code 7122 (Cardiovascular / Neurological). Damage from frostbite or cold exposure causing numbness, pain, skin discoloration or circulation issues.
- What VA disability rating can I get for Cold Injury Residuals?
- Possible VA ratings for Cold Injury Residuals are 30%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 30%: Joint or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity PLUS two or more objective findings from the schedule's list (tissue loss, nail changes, color changes, impaired sensation, sweating changes, X-ray changes, muscle atrophy or fibrosis, joi…
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Cold Injury Residuals?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Cold Injury Residuals at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 1,600 veterans are service-connected for Cold Injury Residuals. Estimated approval outlook: High (~75%) if stationed in cold zones with matching symptoms.
- What evidence helps prove Cold Injury Residuals for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Cold Injury Residuals claim includes: Cold weather duty documentation confirming your service in a qualifying location.; Skin exam findings documenting current residual effects..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Cold Injury Residuals?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Cold Injury Residuals: Claiming the condition without deployment records confirming cold-weather service.; No current symptoms listed, leaving the claim without evidence of an ongoing residual effect..
- Is Cold Injury Residuals a presumptive condition for VA benefits?
- Yes, Cold Injury Residuals is recognized as a presumptive condition. Recognized for extreme cold deployment
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Cold Injury Residuals?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Cold Injury Residuals include: Raynaud’s Syndrome, Peripheral Neuropathy. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.104 — Schedule of ratings — cardiovascular system (Diagnostic Code 7122)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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