---
title: "DC 7115 - Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease)"
diagnostic_code: "7115"
body_system: "Cardiovascular System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.104"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/cardiovascular/7115-thrombo-angiitis-obliterans-buergers-disease"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.104"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:46:23.140153Z"
---

# DC 7115 - Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease)

Rated under § 4.104. Body system: Cardiovascular System.

Lower extremity: Rate under DC 7114. Upper extremity: rated on the ladder below.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Deep ischemic ulcers and necrosis of the fingers with persistent coldness of the extremity, trophic changes with pains in the hand during physical activity, and diminished upper extremity pulses |
| 60% | Persistent coldness of the extremity, trophic changes with pains in the hands during physical activity, and diminished upper extremity pulses |
| 40% | Trophic changes with numbness and paresthesia at the tips of the fingers, and diminished upper extremity pulses |
| 20% | Diminished upper extremity pulses |

## Notes

- Note (1): These evaluations involve a single extremity. If more than one extremity is affected, evaluate each extremity separately and combine (under § 4.25), using the bilateral factor (§ 4.26), if applicable.
- Note (2): Trophic changes include, but are not limited to, skin changes (thinning, atrophy, fissuring, ulceration, scarring, absence of hair) as well as nail changes (clubbing, deformities).

# Thrombo-angiitis Obliterans (Buerger's Disease) — VA Diagnostic Code 7115

*Cardiovascular System · 38 CFR § 4.104*

## Understanding the Condition

Thrombo-angiitis obliterans, also known as **Buerger's Disease**, is a vascular condition of the arms and legs that the VA rates under the Cardiovascular System in 38 CFR § 4.104. Depending on which limb is affected, the VA applies different rating approaches:

- **Lower extremity:** Rated under Diagnostic Code 7114.
- **Upper extremity:** Rated using the schedule below.

This entry focuses on the **upper extremity** rating ladder used specifically under Diagnostic Code 7115.

## Available Rating Levels (Upper Extremity)

The VA assigns a rating based on the symptoms and clinical findings present in the affected extremity:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **100%** | Deep ischemic ulcers and necrosis of the fingers with persistent coldness of the extremity, trophic changes with pains in the hand during physical activity, and diminished upper extremity pulses |
| **60%** | Persistent coldness of the extremity, trophic changes with pains in the hands during physical activity, and diminished upper extremity pulses |
| **40%** | Trophic changes with numbness and paresthesia at the tips of the fingers, and diminished upper extremity pulses |
| **20%** | Diminished upper extremity pulses |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating this condition, the VA reviews clinical findings such as:

- **Diminished upper extremity pulses** — present at every rating level on the ladder.
- **Trophic changes** — which include, but are not limited to, skin changes (thinning, atrophy, fissuring, ulceration, scarring, absence of hair) and nail changes (clubbing, deformities).
- **Persistent coldness** of the affected extremity.
- **Numbness and paresthesia** at the tips of the fingers.
- **Pain in the hand** during physical activity.
- **Deep ischemic ulcers and necrosis** of the fingers (at the highest rating level).

## How Multiple Affected Limbs Are Handled

These evaluations involve a **single extremity**. If more than one extremity is affected:

- Each extremity is **evaluated separately**.
- The evaluations are **combined** under § 4.25.
- The **bilateral factor** (§ 4.26) is applied, if applicable.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7115. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.104