Buerger's Disease (Thromboangiitis Obliterans)

DC 7115Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7115

An inflammatory disease that causes blood clots in the small and medium arteries and veins, most often in the hands and feet. It is strongly linked to tobacco use and can lead to pain, tissue damage, and even gangrene. The VA rates this condition based on the claudication level measured by ankle/brachial index and the presence of tissue loss.

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 7115

Rating range

20% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7115. 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, and you have deep ischemic ulcers or ankle/brachial index of 0.4 or less. Or you have had an amputation due to the disease.

What the VA looks for

Ischemic limb pain at rest
Deep ischemic ulcers documented
Ankle/brachial index of 0.4 or less
Gangrene or tissue necrosis
Amputation records if applicable

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an ankle/brachial index (ABI) test — the VA rating depends heavily on this specific measurement, and it must be documented in your medical records.
⚠Not photographing and documenting trophic changes — thin skin, hair loss, and dystrophic nails in the affected extremities support a 40% rating or higher.
⚠Not documenting claudication distance accurately — measure exactly how far you can walk before pain forces you to stop, as the rating thresholds are specific (100 yards, 25 yards).
⚠Not connecting tobacco use during military service to the onset of the disease — if smoking began or was encouraged during service, this can help establish service connection.

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…

Buerger's Disease (Thromboangiitis Obliterans)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7115

Rating range

20% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have ischemic limb pain at rest, and you have deep ischemic ulcers or ankle/brachial index of 0.4 or less. Or you have had an amputation due to the disease.

What the VA looks for

Ischemic limb pain at rest
Deep ischemic ulcers documented
Ankle/brachial index of 0.4 or less
Gangrene or tissue necrosis
Amputation records if applicable

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an ankle/brachial index (ABI) test — the VA rating depends heavily on this specific measurement, and it must be documented in your medical records.

⚠Not photographing and documenting trophic changes — thin skin, hair loss, and dystrophic nails in the affected extremities support a 40% rating or higher.

⚠Not documenting claudication distance accurately — measure exactly how far you can walk before pain forces you to stop, as the rating thresholds are specific (100 yards, 25 yards).

⚠Not connecting tobacco use during military service to the onset of the disease — if smoking began or was encouraged during service, this can help establish service connection.