---
title: "DC 7117 - Raynaud's syndrome (also known as secondary Raynaud's phenomenon or secondary Raynaud's)"
diagnostic_code: "7117"
body_system: "Cardiovascular System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.104"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/cardiovascular/7117-raynauds-syndrome-also-known-as-secondary-raynauds"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.104"
updated: "2026-07-21T18:19:48.715976Z"
---

# DC 7117 - Raynaud's syndrome (also known as secondary Raynaud's phenomenon or secondary Raynaud's)

Rated under § 4.104. Body system: Cardiovascular System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | With two or more digital ulcers plus auto-amputation of one or more digits and history of characteristic attacks |
| 60% | With two or more digital ulcers and history of characteristic attacks |
| 40% | Characteristic attacks occurring at least daily |
| 20% | Characteristic attacks occurring four to six times a week |
| 10% | Characteristic attacks occurring one to three times a week |

## Notes

- Note (1): For purposes of this section, characteristic attacks consist of sequential color changes of the digits of one or more extremities lasting minutes to hours, sometimes with pain and paresthesias, and precipitated by exposure to cold or by emotional upsets. These evaluations are for Raynaud's syndrome as a whole, regardless of the number of extremities involved or whether the nose and ears are involved.
- Note (2): This section is for evaluating Raynaud's syndrome (secondary Raynaud's phenomenon or secondary Raynaud's). For evaluation of Raynaud's disease (primary Raynaud's), see DC 7124.

# Raynaud's Syndrome (Diagnostic Code 7117)

**Understanding how the VA rates secondary Raynaud's syndrome under 38 CFR § 4.104.**

## What Is Raynaud's Syndrome?

Raynaud's syndrome — also known as secondary Raynaud's phenomenon or secondary Raynaud's — is a condition evaluated by the VA under the **Cardiovascular System** (§ 4.104), using diagnostic code **7117**.

The hallmark of this condition is what the VA calls a **"characteristic attack."** According to the rating rules, a characteristic attack consists of **sequential color changes of the digits of one or more extremities, lasting minutes to hours, sometimes with pain and paresthesias (tingling or "pins and needles"), and brought on by exposure to cold or by emotional upset.**

Ratings under this code apply to Raynaud's syndrome **as a whole** — they do not change based on how many extremities are involved or whether the nose and ears are affected.

> **Important distinction:** Diagnostic code 7117 is for **Raynaud's syndrome (secondary Raynaud's)**. For **Raynaud's disease (primary Raynaud's)**, the VA uses a different diagnostic code — **DC 7124**.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability percentage based on the frequency of characteristic attacks and, at the higher levels, the presence of digital ulcers and auto-amputation:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **100%** | Two or more digital ulcers **plus** auto-amputation of one or more digits **and** a history of characteristic attacks |
| **60%** | Two or more digital ulcers **and** a history of characteristic attacks |
| **40%** | Characteristic attacks occurring **at least daily** |
| **20%** | Characteristic attacks occurring **four to six times a week** |
| **10%** | Characteristic attacks occurring **one to three times a week** |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating Raynaud's syndrome under this code, the VA focuses on:

- **The frequency of characteristic attacks** — measured on a weekly basis for the 10%, 20%, and 40% levels (from one-to-three times a week up to daily attacks).
- **The nature of the attacks** — sequential color changes of the digits lasting minutes to hours, potentially accompanied by pain and paresthesias, and triggered by cold exposure or emotional upset.
- **The presence of digital ulcers** — two or more digital ulcers are required for the 60% and 100% levels.
- **Auto-amputation of one or more digits** — required, alongside two or more digital ulcers and a history of characteristic attacks, for the 100% level.

Because these evaluations consider Raynaud's syndrome as a whole, the count of affected extremities — or involvement of the nose and ears — does not by itself change the rating level.

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