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.

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 →

Condition Rating Guides

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

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.