---
title: "DC 7119 - Erythromelalgia"
diagnostic_code: "7119"
body_system: "Cardiovascular System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.104"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/cardiovascular/7119-erythromelalgia"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.104"
updated: "2026-07-21T18:19:48.921950Z"
---

# DC 7119 - Erythromelalgia

Rated under § 4.104. Body system: Cardiovascular System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Characteristic attacks that occur more than once a day, last an average of more than two hours each, respond poorly to treatment, and that restrict most routine daily activities |
| 60% | Characteristic attacks that occur more than once a day, last an average of more than two hours each, and respond poorly to treatment, but that do not restrict most routine daily activities |
| 30% | Characteristic attacks that occur daily or more often but that respond to treatment |
| 10% | Characteristic attacks that occur less than daily but at least three times a week and that respond to treatment |

## Notes

- Note: For purposes of this section, a characteristic attack of erythromelalgia consists of burning pain in the hands, feet, or both, usually bilateral and symmetrical, with increased skin temperature and redness, occurring at warm ambient temperatures. These evaluations are for the disease as a whole, regardless of the number of extremities involved.

# Erythromelalgia (VA Diagnostic Code 7119)

*Cardiovascular System · 38 CFR § 4.104*

## What Is Erythromelalgia?

Erythromelalgia is a condition of the cardiovascular system that produces distinct, recurring episodes known as "characteristic attacks."

According to the VA, a characteristic attack of erythromelalgia consists of **burning pain in the hands, feet, or both**—usually bilateral (affecting both sides) and symmetrical—along with **increased skin temperature and redness**, occurring at warm ambient temperatures.

An important note about how this condition is rated: the VA evaluates erythromelalgia **as a whole disease, regardless of the number of extremities involved.** In other words, the rating reflects the overall impact of the condition, not a separate score for each hand or foot.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA uses a rating "ladder" for erythromelalgia. The level assigned depends primarily on **how often attacks occur, how long they last, how well they respond to treatment, and whether they restrict daily activities.**

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **100%** | Characteristic attacks that occur more than once a day, last an average of more than two hours each, respond poorly to treatment, **and restrict most routine daily activities.** |
| **60%** | Characteristic attacks that occur more than once a day, last an average of more than two hours each, and respond poorly to treatment, **but do not restrict most routine daily activities.** |
| **30%** | Characteristic attacks that occur **daily or more often** but that **respond to treatment.** |
| **10%** | Characteristic attacks that occur **less than daily but at least three times a week** and that **respond to treatment.** |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating erythromelalgia under Diagnostic Code 7119, the VA focuses on the pattern and severity of characteristic attacks. The key factors that move a rating up or down the ladder are:

- **Frequency** — Ranging from at least three times a week (10%) up to more than once a day (60% and 100%).
- **Duration** — Whether attacks last an average of more than two hours each (a factor at the 60% and 100% levels).
- **Response to treatment** — Whether attacks respond to treatment (10% and 30%) or respond poorly to treatment (60% and 100%).
- **Impact on daily activities** — Whether the attacks restrict most routine daily activities, which is the distinguishing factor between the 60% and 100% levels.

Because the VA rates this condition as a whole, documentation of the overall frequency, duration, treatment response, and effect on daily life is central to how erythromelalgia is evaluated.

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