Arteriosclerosis Obliterans

DC 7114Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7114

Hardening and narrowing of arteries in the legs reducing blood flow. Causes leg pain when walking (claudication) and can lead to tissue loss. The VA rates based on ankle/brachial index (ABI) and symptoms.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 7114

Rating range

20% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7114. 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 ischemic limb pain at rest, deep ischemic ulcers, or your ankle/brachial index is 0.4 or less.

What the VA looks for

Ischemic limb pain at rest documented
Deep ischemic ulcers documented with photographs
ABI of 0.4 or less
Wound care records for ischemic ulcers
Vascular specialist records documenting severe disease

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting ABI testing — this is a simple non-invasive test that provides objective measurement of arterial blood flow and directly maps to VA rating criteria.
⚠Not documenting exact walking distance before claudication occurs — the rating levels are based on specific walking distances, so keep a log of how far you can walk before symptoms begin.
⚠Not noting trophic changes such as thin skin, hair loss on the legs, or dystrophic nails — these findings support the 40% rating and should be documented at every examination.
⚠Not connecting to Agent Orange exposure or diabetes as a secondary condition — arteriosclerosis is a recognized complication of diabetes and may be linked to herbicide exposure.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Artery and Vein Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Arteriosclerosis Obliterans or rated under the same body system.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

DC 7101·Cardiovascular

Coronary Artery Disease

DC 7005·Cardiovascular

Cardiac Arrhythmia

DC 7010·Cardiovascular

Heart Valve Disease

DC 7000·Cardiovascular

Peripheral Vascular Disease

DC 7114·Cardiovascular

Cardiomyopathy

DC 7020·Cardiovascular

Congestive Heart Failure

DC 7019·Cardiovascular

Varicose Veins

DC 7120·Cardiovascular

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7114

Rating range

20% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have ischemic limb pain at rest, deep ischemic ulcers, or your ankle/brachial index is 0.4 or less.

What the VA looks for

Ischemic limb pain at rest documented
Deep ischemic ulcers documented with photographs
ABI of 0.4 or less
Wound care records for ischemic ulcers
Vascular specialist records documenting severe disease

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting ABI testing — this is a simple non-invasive test that provides objective measurement of arterial blood flow and directly maps to VA rating criteria.

⚠Not documenting exact walking distance before claudication occurs — the rating levels are based on specific walking distances, so keep a log of how far you can walk before symptoms begin.

⚠Not noting trophic changes such as thin skin, hair loss on the legs, or dystrophic nails — these findings support the 40% rating and should be documented at every examination.

⚠Not connecting to Agent Orange exposure or diabetes as a secondary condition — arteriosclerosis is a recognized complication of diabetes and may be linked to herbicide exposure.