Post-phlebitic syndrome VA Rating
How VA rates Post-phlebitic syndrome under diagnostic code 7121, what evidence decides the percentage, and the reasons these claims get denied or under-rated.
Post-phlebitic syndrome is rated under diagnostic code 7121. In the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities it appears as Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology, within the Cardiovascular System section of 38 CFR Part 4.
The essentials
| Diagnostic code | 7121 |
|---|---|
| Rating schedule name | Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology |
| Body system | Cardiovascular System |
| Examination form | CARDIO Artery And Vein Conditions (Vascular Diseases Including Varicose Veins) |
How VA rates post-phlebitic syndrome
These are the rating levels VA assigns under diagnostic code 7121, quoted from the rating schedule. A rater compares the findings in your examination against each level and assigns the highest one your evidence supports.
| 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 |
- 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.
Criteria quoted from 38 CFR Part 4, Subpart B (eCFR edition 2026-01-01). Where a rating depends on measurements, the figures in your examination report are what decide it — which is why an examination that skipped a required measurement is worth challenging.
Other names for this condition
VA and treating providers may use different terms for the same condition. If your records use any of these, they may still support a claim for Post-phlebitic syndrome:
- Phlebitis
- thrombophlebitis
- post-thrombotic syndrome
What evidence decides the rating
For cardiovascular system conditions, these are the findings VA weighs when assigning a percentage. If your examination did not address them, the examination may be inadequate for rating purposes — which is itself an argument on appeal.
- METs testing — either an exercise stress test or an interview-based METs estimate with the examiner's rationale
- Left ventricular ejection fraction
- Evidence of congestive heart failure episodes and their frequency
- For hypertension: predominant diastolic and systolic readings, and whether continuous medication is required
Why these claims get denied or under-rated
These are the failure patterns we see most often on post-phlebitic syndrome and related cardiovascular system claims:
- No METs testing was performed and no interview-based estimate with rationale was provided
- Hypertension denied because current readings are controlled by medication, without addressing what the readings would be without it
- Predominant readings were taken from a single visit rather than across the record
If your claim was denied or under-rated
A denial is not the end of the claim. Which route is right depends on why VA decided the way it did:
- Higher-Level Review — when the evidence already in the file supports a grant and VA got the decision wrong, or the examination was inadequate.
- Supplemental Claim — when you have new and relevant evidence, such as a private nexus opinion.
- Board Appeal — when you need a Veterans Law Judge to decide, or want a hearing.
- Clear and Unmistakable Error — when a decision more than a year old contains an undebatable error, which can recover retroactive pay.
Effective dates matter as much as the percentage. See effective dates and back pay for how far back an award can reach.
Sources
Related conditions
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This page is educational information, not legal advice. VA rules and deadlines change — always confirm details with the official source (38 CFR, M21-1) or your accredited claims agent. Borne Accredited Claims is an accredited VA claims agent under 38 CFR §14.629 and is not part of, or endorsed by, the Department of Veterans Affairs. We do not guarantee any specific outcome.