VASRD 7121 · Cardiovascular System

Peripheral Vascular Disease VA Disability Rating

Reduced blood flow in the arms or legs due to narrowed arteries, causing pain or tissue damage.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Severe limb damage or non-healing wounds
60%Severe claudication
40%Moderate walking limit
20%Detectable mild blood flow issue

How the VA Evaluates Peripheral Vascular Disease

Ankle-Brachial Index test (ABI), vascular ultrasound, walking distance, and pain reports.

Approval rate

Moderate (~50%), higher with Agent Orange exposure

Annual service-connected

8,800 veterans

Average rating

40%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •ABI test results
  • •Vascular surgeon's opinion
  • •Photos or notes of ulcers

Strategy Tips

  • •Get ABI and walking test
  • •Show photos of ulcers or tissue damage
  • •Mention any Agent Orange exposure

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Symptoms misattributed to arthritis
  • •ABI not performed

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No ABI or walking logs
  • •Not linking to exposure

Onset Patterns

  • •Slow onset, worsened by aging or toxin exposure

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Peripheral Vascular Disease. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Limb Ulcers

    Chronic poor blood flow

  • Amputation Risk

    Severe ischemia if untreated

Common questions about Peripheral Vascular Disease

Is Peripheral Vascular Disease a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Peripheral Vascular Disease under VASRD diagnostic code 7121 (Cardiovascular System). Reduced blood flow in the arms or legs due to narrowed arteries, causing pain or tissue damage.
What VA disability rating can I get for Peripheral Vascular Disease?
Possible VA ratings for Peripheral Vascular Disease are 100%, 60%, 40%, 20%. Examples: 100% — Severe limb damage or non-healing wounds; 60% — Severe claudication; 40% — Moderate walking limit.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Peripheral Vascular Disease?
The average awarded rating for Peripheral Vascular Disease is 40%. Roughly 8,800 veterans are service-connected for Peripheral Vascular Disease each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate (~50%), higher with Agent Orange exposure.
What evidence helps prove Peripheral Vascular Disease for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Peripheral Vascular Disease claim includes: ABI test results; Vascular surgeon's opinion; Photos or notes of ulcers.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Peripheral Vascular Disease?
Common pitfalls when filing for Peripheral Vascular Disease: No ABI or walking logs; Not linking to exposure.
Is Peripheral Vascular Disease a presumptive condition for VA benefits?
Yes — Peripheral Vascular Disease is recognized as a presumptive condition. Presumed for those exposed to herbicides
What conditions are commonly secondary to Peripheral Vascular Disease?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Peripheral Vascular Disease include: Limb Ulcers, Amputation Risk. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Peripheral Vascular Disease combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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