Angioedema

DC 7825Skin38 CFR 4.118, DC 7825

Swelling beneath the skin, usually around the eyes, lips, throat, hands, or feet. It can occur with or without hives (urticaria) and can be life-threatening if it affects the throat. Rated by analogy using the urticaria criteria.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7825

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7825. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have recurrent debilitating episodes of angioedema at least four times in the past year despite continuous immunosuppressive therapy.

What the VA looks for

At least 4 debilitating episodes despite continuous therapy
Continuous immunosuppressive therapy documented
Multiple ER visits or hospitalizations
Airway compromise episodes documented
Significant functional impairment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting airway involvement — if angioedema affects your throat or tongue, this is a medical emergency that dramatically increases the severity of your claim. Document every episode of throat swelling.
⚠Not keeping an episode log — you need to prove at least four episodes per year. Photograph swelling when it happens and seek medical attention to create a paper trail.
⚠Missing the hereditary angioedema (HAE) diagnosis — HAE is a specific genetic condition that may qualify for additional considerations. Get C4 complement and C1 esterase inhibitor levels tested.
⚠Not claiming secondary anxiety — living with the fear of potentially fatal throat swelling episodes commonly causes significant anxiety that may warrant a separate mental health claim.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Skin Diseases

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7825

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have recurrent debilitating episodes of angioedema at least four times in the past year despite continuous immunosuppressive therapy.

What the VA looks for

At least 4 debilitating episodes despite continuous therapy
Continuous immunosuppressive therapy documented
Multiple ER visits or hospitalizations
Airway compromise episodes documented
Significant functional impairment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting airway involvement — if angioedema affects your throat or tongue, this is a medical emergency that dramatically increases the severity of your claim. Document every episode of throat swelling.

⚠Not keeping an episode log — you need to prove at least four episodes per year. Photograph swelling when it happens and seek medical attention to create a paper trail.

⚠Missing the hereditary angioedema (HAE) diagnosis — HAE is a specific genetic condition that may qualify for additional considerations. Get C4 complement and C1 esterase inhibitor levels tested.

⚠Not claiming secondary anxiety — living with the fear of potentially fatal throat swelling episodes commonly causes significant anxiety that may warrant a separate mental health claim.