---
title: "DC 7121 - Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology"
diagnostic_code: "7121"
body_system: "Cardiovascular System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.104"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/cardiovascular/7121-post-phlebitic-syndrome-of-any-etiology"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.104"
updated: "2026-07-21T18:19:49.089313Z"
---

# DC 7121 - Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology

Rated under § 4.104. Body system: Cardiovascular System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest |
| 60% | Persistent edema or subcutaneous induration, stasis pigmentation or eczema, and persistent ulceration |
| 40% | Persistent edema and stasis pigmentation or eczema, with or without intermittent ulceration |
| 20% | Persistent edema, incompletely relieved by elevation of extremity, with or without beginning stasis pigmentation or eczema |
| 10% | Intermittent edema of extremity or aching and fatigue in leg after prolonged standing or walking, with symptoms relieved by elevation of extremity or compression hosiery |
| 0% | Asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins |

## Notes

- Note: These evaluations are for involvement of a single extremity. If more than one extremity is involved, evaluate each extremity separately and combine (under § 4.25), using the bilateral factor (§ 4.26), if applicable.

# Post-Phlebitic Syndrome (VA Diagnostic Code 7121)

*Cardiovascular System — 38 CFR § 4.104*

## Understanding Post-Phlebitic Syndrome

Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology is a condition of the cardiovascular system that affects the veins and circulation in an extremity. It can involve symptoms such as swelling (edema), skin changes like stasis pigmentation or eczema, hardening of tissue beneath the skin (subcutaneous induration), ulceration, and pain, aching, or fatigue in the affected limb.

The VA rates this condition under Diagnostic Code 7121, found in § 4.104. Ratings are based on the type and severity of symptoms present in the affected extremity.

## How the VA Rates Post-Phlebitic Syndrome

The VA assigns a disability rating based on which set of criteria most closely matches your symptoms. The available rating levels are:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **100%** | Massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest |
| **60%** | Persistent edema or subcutaneous induration, stasis pigmentation or eczema, and persistent ulceration |
| **40%** | Persistent edema and stasis pigmentation or eczema, with or without intermittent ulceration |
| **20%** | Persistent edema, incompletely relieved by elevation of the extremity, with or without beginning stasis pigmentation or eczema |
| **10%** | Intermittent edema of the extremity, or aching and fatigue in the leg after prolonged standing or walking, with symptoms relieved by elevation of the extremity or compression hosiery |
| **0%** | Asymptomatic palpable or visible varicose veins |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating post-phlebitic syndrome, the VA focuses on the specific symptoms affecting your extremity, including:

- **Edema (swelling):** Whether it is intermittent, persistent, incompletely relieved by elevation, or massive and board-like.
- **Skin changes:** The presence of stasis pigmentation or eczema.
- **Tissue changes:** Subcutaneous induration (hardening beneath the skin).
- **Ulceration:** Whether it is absent, intermittent, or persistent.
- **Pain and fatigue:** Aching and fatigue after prolonged standing or walking, or constant pain at rest.
- **Symptom relief:** Whether symptoms are relieved by elevation of the extremity or by compression hosiery.

## Important Note on Multiple Extremities

These evaluations apply to involvement of a **single extremity**. If more than one extremity is involved, each extremity is evaluated separately and combined under § 4.25, using the bilateral factor (§ 4.26) if applicable.

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