Lymphedema

DC 7121Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7121

Chronic swelling, usually in arms or legs, from damage to or removal of lymph nodes. Can result from combat injuries, surgical procedures, or cancer treatment during service. The VA rates lymphedema based on the severity of edema and associated skin changes.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 7121

Rating range

10% – 100%

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 massive board-like swelling with constant pain at rest, or your condition has required amputation of the affected limb.

What the VA looks for

Massive board-like edema documented
Constant pain at rest documented
Amputation of affected limb if applicable
Specialist records documenting severity
Impact on all activities of daily living

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting circumference measurements of affected limbs at each visit — objective measurements showing persistent swelling are key evidence for higher ratings.
⚠Not connecting lymphedema to service-connected surgery or injury that damaged lymph nodes — establish the causal chain from the in-service event to current lymphatic damage.
⚠Not photographing the swelling at its worst — dated photos showing the extent of edema, skin changes, and any ulceration provide powerful supporting evidence.
⚠Not claiming secondary skin conditions such as cellulitis or dermatitis caused by lymphedema — recurrent infections and skin changes from lymphedema are independently ratable.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Artery and Vein Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Lymphedema 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…

Lymphedema

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7121

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have massive board-like swelling with constant pain at rest, or your condition has required amputation of the affected limb.

What the VA looks for

Massive board-like edema documented
Constant pain at rest documented
Amputation of affected limb if applicable
Specialist records documenting severity
Impact on all activities of daily living

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting circumference measurements of affected limbs at each visit — objective measurements showing persistent swelling are key evidence for higher ratings.

⚠Not connecting lymphedema to service-connected surgery or injury that damaged lymph nodes — establish the causal chain from the in-service event to current lymphatic damage.

⚠Not photographing the swelling at its worst — dated photos showing the extent of edema, skin changes, and any ulceration provide powerful supporting evidence.

⚠Not claiming secondary skin conditions such as cellulitis or dermatitis caused by lymphedema — recurrent infections and skin changes from lymphedema are independently ratable.