VASRD 7120 · Cardiovascular System
Varicose Veins VA Disability Rating
Swollen, twisted veins visible under the skin, usually in the legs, causing aching, swelling, and fatigue.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Massive, hard swelling with constant pain even at rest |
| 60% | Persistent swelling or hardening under the skin, with discoloration or eczema, and ulcers that do not heal |
| 40% | Persistent swelling plus skin discoloration or eczema, whether or not ulcers come and go |
| 20% | Persistent swelling that elevating the limb only partly relieves, with or without early skin discoloration |
| 10% | Swelling that comes and goes, or aching and tired legs after long standing or walking, relieved by elevation or compression stockings |
| 0% | Visible or feelable varicose veins that cause no symptoms |
How the VA Evaluates Varicose Veins
The rating scales with severity - from intermittent swelling and aching at the lowest tier, through persistent edema with skin discoloration, up to massive, constant swelling and pain at the highest tier - confirmed through Doppler ultrasound and a documented history of symptoms.
Approval outlook
Moderate (~50%) with visual signs and imaging.
Veterans service-connected
72,271 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~40%
Veterans service-connected count from the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), as of September 30, 2025. Approval outlook and typical rating are Vetrify editorial estimates — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •Vascular studies (Doppler ultrasound) confirming venous insufficiency.
- •Photos or documentation of flare-ups, swelling, or skin changes.
- •Compression therapy records showing ongoing management.
Strategy Tips
- •Include photos and vascular test results together, since visual evidence of the veins combined with objective Doppler findings supports the diagnosis and severity.
- •Track daily symptoms and how often you need to rest or elevate your legs, since this pattern is directly relevant to the rating criteria.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Claiming the condition without visual signs documented in the exam.
- •Missing diagnostic confirmation through vascular imaging.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Not distinguishing the condition from general leg pain in your statement, since varicose veins have their own specific rating criteria.
- •Lack of documentation during actual flare-ups, since symptoms can vary day to day.
Onset Patterns
- •Varicose veins typically develop gradually from prolonged standing or occupations that limit circulation, worsening over time without intervention.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Varicose Veins. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Venous Insufficiency
Underlying cause
Skin Ulcers
From poor circulation
Common Among These Military Jobs
Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Varicose Veins is frequently claimed.
Common questions about Varicose Veins
- Is Varicose Veins a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Varicose Veins under VASRD diagnostic code 7120 (Cardiovascular System). Swollen, twisted veins visible under the skin, usually in the legs, causing aching, swelling, and fatigue.
- What VA disability rating can I get for Varicose Veins?
- Possible VA ratings for Varicose Veins are 100%, 60%, 40%, 20%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 100%: Massive, hard swelling with constant pain even at rest; 60%: Persistent swelling or hardening under the skin, with discoloration or eczema, and ulcers that do not heal; 40%: Persistent swelling plus skin discoloration or eczema, w…
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Varicose Veins?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Varicose Veins at around 40%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. Per the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), 72,271 veterans were receiving VA compensation for Varicose Veins as of September 30, 2025. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate (~50%) with visua…
- What evidence helps prove Varicose Veins for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Varicose Veins claim includes: Vascular studies (Doppler ultrasound) confirming venous insufficiency.; Photos or documentation of flare-ups, swelling, or skin changes.; Compression therapy records showing ongoing management..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Varicose Veins?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Varicose Veins: Not distinguishing the condition from general leg pain in your statement, since varicose veins have their own specific rating criteria.; Lack of documentation during actual flare-ups, since symptoms can vary day to day..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Varicose Veins?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Varicose Veins include: Venous Insufficiency, Skin Ulcers. 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 7120)
- VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025) — veterans service-connected count, as of September 30, 2025
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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