VA Diagnostic Code 7124Raynaud's disease (also known as primary Raynaud's)
Rated from 0% to 10% under § 4.104. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 10%
Characteristic attacks associated with trophic change(s), such as tight, shiny skin
- 0%
Characteristic attacks without trophic change(s)
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 intermittent and episodic color changes of the digits of one or more extremities, lasting minutes or longer, with occasional pain and paresthesias, and precipitated by exposure to cold or by emotional upsets. These evaluations are for the disease as a whole, regardless of the number of extremities involved or whether the nose and ears are involved.
- 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).
- Note (3): This section is for evaluating Raynaud's disease (primary Raynaud's). For evaluation of Raynaud's syndrome (also known as secondary Raynaud's phenomenon, or secondary Raynaud's), see DC 7117.
Raynaud's Disease (Primary Raynaud's) — VA Diagnostic Code 7124
Cardiovascular System · 38 CFR § 4.104
Understanding Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's disease, also known as primary Raynaud's, is evaluated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 7124 within the cardiovascular system.
The VA defines the core feature of this condition as characteristic attacks. According to the rating rules, these attacks consist of intermittent and episodic color changes of the digits (fingers or toes) of one or more extremities, lasting minutes or longer, with occasional pain and paresthesias (tingling or "pins and needles"). These attacks are precipitated by exposure to cold or by emotional upsets.
Importantly, the VA evaluates the disease as a whole — the rating does not depend on the number of extremities involved, or on whether the nose and ears are affected.
Note: This entry is specifically for Raynaud's disease (primary Raynaud's). Raynaud's syndrome — also known as secondary Raynaud's phenomenon or secondary Raynaud's — is evaluated separately under Diagnostic Code 7117.
Available Rating Levels
The rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 7124 provides the following levels:
| Rating | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| 10% | Characteristic attacks associated with trophic change(s), such as tight, shiny skin |
| 0% | Characteristic attacks without trophic change(s) |
What the VA Looks For
When rating Raynaud's disease under this code, the VA focuses on two main factors:
1. Characteristic attacks. The presence of intermittent, episodic color changes in the digits of one or more extremities, lasting minutes or longer, with occasional pain and paresthesias, brought on by cold exposure or emotional upsets.
2. Trophic changes. Whether these characteristic attacks are associated with trophic changes distinguishes the 10% level from the 0% level. Trophic changes include, but are not limited to:
- Skin changes — thinning, atrophy, fissuring, ulceration, scarring, and absence of hair (for example, tight, shiny skin)
- Nail changes — clubbing and deformities
In short, the VA looks at whether the characteristic attacks are present, and whether they are accompanied by trophic changes to the skin or nails, to determine which rating level applies.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.104, diagnostic code 7124. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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