Cardiovascular System§ 4.104Updated
Rating criteria

VA Diagnostic Code 7117Raynaud's syndrome (also known as secondary Raynaud's phenomenon or secondary Raynaud's)

Rated from 10% to 100% under § 4.104. Here is what the VA requires at each level.

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What each rating requires

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  1. 100%

    With two or more digital ulcers plus auto-amputation of one or more digits and history of characteristic attacks

  2. 60%

    With two or more digital ulcers and history of characteristic attacks

  3. 40%

    Characteristic attacks occurring at least daily

  4. 20%

    Characteristic attacks occurring four to six times a week

  5. 10%

    Characteristic attacks occurring one to three times a week

From the schedule

Notes on this code

These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.

  • 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:

RatingWhat 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.

These criteria are a rendering of § 4.104, diagnostic code 7117. The official version is the one that governs your rating.

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What next

How to claim this

Knowing the criteria is the first half. Getting your file to show them is the second.

  1. Find your level in the stack

    Read each rung against what your medical records already say. The level your records document today is the one the VA can support today.

  2. Name the gap

    Look at the rung above yours and write down exactly what it asks for that your file does not show yet — a diagnosis, a measurement, a prescribed brace, a doctor’s opinion linking it to service.

  3. Claim it by code

    File under diagnostic code 7117 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Cardiovascular System codes may cover your secondary conditions.

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