Claiming Varicose Veins / Venous Insufficiency?
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VA Rating Tiers
40%
massive edema or eczema
40%
venous ulcer
20%
persistent edema
10%
symptomatic no edema
0%
mild
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›40%: Varicose veins with edema, eczema, or status post-ulceration — or persistent cold, numbness, and pain. DC 7120.
- ›20%: Pulsating tumor and varicosity — or varicosity with pain on standing. DC 7120.
- ›10%: Varicosity with pain on walking. DC 7120.
- ›0%: Varicosity documented but below rating threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 7120: Varicose veins.
- ›40%: Persistent massive edema; or eczema; or persistent ulceration.
- ›20%: Persistent edema not fully relieved by elevation; or incompetent perforator veins.
- ›10%: Symptomatic — pain, fatigue, swelling without significant edema.
- ›0%: Mild/asymptomatic varicosities — still ratable and service-connectable.
- ›Both legs are rated separately — bilateral claims can combine.
- ›Venous ulcer records and wound care documentation support 40% rating.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •DC 7120 — varicose veins; rated based on edema severity, skin changes, and ulceration.
- •Service connection pathways: prolonged standing in military occupational specialties, heavy load-bearing, or direct leg trauma during service.
- •Document which leg(s) are affected — bilateral involvement is rated separately for each leg.
- •Venous ulcers (stasis ulcers) support the highest ratings — document with wound care records.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •in-service records documenting leg pain, varicosities, or prolonged standing in MOS
- •sick call records for leg swelling or vein complaints during service
Medical Evidence
- •vascular surgery or primary care records confirming varicose veins or venous insufficiency
- •venous Doppler ultrasound showing reflux or incompetent perforator veins
- •wound care records if venous ulcers present
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •personal statement describing leg aching, swelling, and connection to service duties
- •buddy statement confirming prolonged standing or heavy load-bearing in same MOS
Diagnostic Tests
- •venous duplex Doppler ultrasound
- •physical exam (visual, palpation)
- •wound assessment if ulcers
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Cardiovascular / Peripheral Vascular DBQ
Be ready to describe
- •leg swelling severity — does elevation fully relieve edema?
- •any skin changes — stasis dermatitis, discoloration, or ulcers
- •connection to MOS duties (prolonged standing, load-bearing)
Prep notes
- •Bring venous Doppler ultrasound results.
- •Bring wound care records if you have venous ulcers.
- •Note your MOS and duties — prolonged standing is a recognized service connection pathway.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 7120
- Category
- Cardiovascular
- Subcategory
- Vascular
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 40%
Also Known As
varicose veinsvenous insufficiencychronic venous insufficiencyCVIvaricositiesleg veinsvenous stasisvenous ulcerstasis dermatitis
Related Conditions
Secondary to
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