Peripheral Vascular Disease

DC 7114Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7114

Narrowing of the blood vessels outside the heart, usually in the legs. The VA rates peripheral vascular disease based on how far you can walk before leg pain stops you (claudication), your ankle/brachial index (ABI), and whether you have tissue damage.

Rating Levels

You have ischemic limb pain at rest, or you have deep ischemic ulcers, or you have had an amputation due to peripheral vascular disease.

What the VA looks for

Ischemic limb pain at rest (not just with walking)
Deep ischemic ulcers on the extremity
ABI of 0.4 or less
Gangrene or tissue loss
Amputation due to vascular insufficiency

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an ankle/brachial index (ABI) test — this simple, objective test is the key measurement for PVD ratings. Ask your doctor for arterial Doppler studies.
⚠Not accurately reporting how far you can walk before leg pain forces you to stop — claudication distance is a primary rating factor. Do not overestimate your walking ability.
⚠Not documenting trophic changes — thin, shiny skin, loss of leg hair, and thick or dystrophic toenails are objective signs that support the 40% rating. Point these out to the examiner.
⚠Not filing for each leg separately if both are affected — peripheral vascular disease can be rated independently for each extremity.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Arteries and Veins Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Rating Levels

You have ischemic limb pain at rest, or you have deep ischemic ulcers, or you have had an amputation due to peripheral vascular disease.

What the VA looks for

Ischemic limb pain at rest (not just with walking)
Deep ischemic ulcers on the extremity
ABI of 0.4 or less
Gangrene or tissue loss
Amputation due to vascular insufficiency

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an ankle/brachial index (ABI) test — this simple, objective test is the key measurement for PVD ratings. Ask your doctor for arterial Doppler studies.

⚠Not accurately reporting how far you can walk before leg pain forces you to stop — claudication distance is a primary rating factor. Do not overestimate your walking ability.

⚠Not documenting trophic changes — thin, shiny skin, loss of leg hair, and thick or dystrophic toenails are objective signs that support the 40% rating. Point these out to the examiner.

⚠Not filing for each leg separately if both are affected — peripheral vascular disease can be rated independently for each extremity.