Deep Vein Thrombosis Residuals (Post-Thrombotic Syndrome)

DC 7121Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7121

Long-term damage to a vein after a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis), also called post-thrombotic syndrome. The VA rates DVT residuals based on how much swelling, skin changes, and ulcers you have in the affected leg. Each leg is rated separately.

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 7121

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7121. 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 constant swelling or hardening under the skin, skin color changes or eczema, and sores on your leg that do not heal.

What the VA looks for

Persistent edema or subcutaneous induration (hardening)
Stasis pigmentation or eczema
Persistent ulceration that does not heal
Ongoing wound care records
Vascular specialist treatment records

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing each leg separately — if both legs have DVT residuals, each leg is rated independently. Filing for both can significantly increase your combined rating.
⚠Not getting a venous Doppler ultrasound to document chronic venous insufficiency — this objective test shows lasting vein damage that supports your claim for residuals.
⚠Not documenting skin changes with photographs over time — stasis pigmentation (brownish skin discoloration), eczema, and ulcers are key evidence for higher ratings. Take dated photos regularly.
⚠Assuming the claim ends when blood thinners stop — DVT residuals (post-thrombotic syndrome) are rated on the lasting damage to your veins, not whether you still take medication.
⚠Not connecting DVT to prolonged immobility during service, surgeries, or travel — the VA recognizes many in-service risk factors for blood clots including long flights, field conditions, and post-surgical recovery.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Artery and Vein Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Deep Vein Thrombosis Residuals (Post-Thrombotic Syndrome) 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 7121

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have constant swelling or hardening under the skin, skin color changes or eczema, and sores on your leg that do not heal.

What the VA looks for

Persistent edema or subcutaneous induration (hardening)
Stasis pigmentation or eczema
Persistent ulceration that does not heal
Ongoing wound care records
Vascular specialist treatment records

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing each leg separately — if both legs have DVT residuals, each leg is rated independently. Filing for both can significantly increase your combined rating.

⚠Not getting a venous Doppler ultrasound to document chronic venous insufficiency — this objective test shows lasting vein damage that supports your claim for residuals.

⚠Not documenting skin changes with photographs over time — stasis pigmentation (brownish skin discoloration), eczema, and ulcers are key evidence for higher ratings. Take dated photos regularly.

⚠Assuming the claim ends when blood thinners stop — DVT residuals (post-thrombotic syndrome) are rated on the lasting damage to your veins, not whether you still take medication.

⚠Not connecting DVT to prolonged immobility during service, surgeries, or travel — the VA recognizes many in-service risk factors for blood clots including long flights, field conditions, and post-surgical recovery.