Lymphedema

DC 7121Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7121

Chronic swelling, usually in arms or legs, from damage to or removal of lymph nodes. Can result from combat injuries, surgical procedures, or cancer treatment during service. The VA rates lymphedema based on the severity of edema and associated skin changes.

Rating Levels

You have massive board-like swelling with constant pain at rest, or your condition has required amputation of the affected limb.

What the VA looks for

Massive board-like edema documented
Constant pain at rest documented
Amputation of affected limb if applicable
Specialist records documenting severity
Impact on all activities of daily living

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting circumference measurements of affected limbs at each visit — objective measurements showing persistent swelling are key evidence for higher ratings.
⚠Not connecting lymphedema to service-connected surgery or injury that damaged lymph nodes — establish the causal chain from the in-service event to current lymphatic damage.
⚠Not photographing the swelling at its worst — dated photos showing the extent of edema, skin changes, and any ulceration provide powerful supporting evidence.
⚠Not claiming secondary skin conditions such as cellulitis or dermatitis caused by lymphedema — recurrent infections and skin changes from lymphedema are independently ratable.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Artery and Vein Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Lymphedema

Rating Levels

You have massive board-like swelling with constant pain at rest, or your condition has required amputation of the affected limb.

What the VA looks for

Massive board-like edema documented
Constant pain at rest documented
Amputation of affected limb if applicable
Specialist records documenting severity
Impact on all activities of daily living

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting circumference measurements of affected limbs at each visit — objective measurements showing persistent swelling are key evidence for higher ratings.

⚠Not connecting lymphedema to service-connected surgery or injury that damaged lymph nodes — establish the causal chain from the in-service event to current lymphatic damage.

⚠Not photographing the swelling at its worst — dated photos showing the extent of edema, skin changes, and any ulceration provide powerful supporting evidence.

⚠Not claiming secondary skin conditions such as cellulitis or dermatitis caused by lymphedema — recurrent infections and skin changes from lymphedema are independently ratable.