VA Diagnostic Code 7115Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease)
Rated from 20% to 100% under § 4.104. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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Summary
Lower extremity: Rate under DC 7114. Upper extremity: rated on the ladder below.
What each rating requires
The VA assigns the highest level your evidence actually supports. Read up the stack until your records stop matching.
- 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 on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- 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.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.104, diagnostic code 7115. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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