Postphlebitic Syndrome

DC 7121Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7121

A long-term complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) causing chronic leg pain, swelling, skin changes, and potentially ulcers. The VA rates postphlebitic syndrome under the post-phlebitic syndrome criteria based on the severity of edema, skin changes, and ulceration.

Rating Levels

You have persistent swelling or subcutaneous hardening, stasis pigmentation or eczema, and persistent ulceration that does not heal.

What the VA looks for

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

Common Pitfalls

⚠Postphlebitic syndrome is a recognized progression of deep vein thrombosis — if your DVT is service-connected, this condition should be too. File for secondary service connection if needed.
⚠Not documenting skin changes and pigmentation with photographs — dated photos showing stasis pigmentation, eczema, and skin discoloration are key evidence for ratings above 10%.
⚠Not tracking ulceration episodes with medical records — intermittent ulceration supports the 40% rating and persistent ulceration supports 60%.
⚠Not documenting compression therapy as evidence of chronic treatment need — prescriptions for compression stockings and ongoing vascular follow-up demonstrate the chronic nature of the condition.

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…

Postphlebitic Syndrome

Rating Levels

You have persistent swelling or subcutaneous hardening, stasis pigmentation or eczema, and persistent ulceration that does not heal.

What the VA looks for

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

Common Pitfalls

⚠Postphlebitic syndrome is a recognized progression of deep vein thrombosis — if your DVT is service-connected, this condition should be too. File for secondary service connection if needed.

⚠Not documenting skin changes and pigmentation with photographs — dated photos showing stasis pigmentation, eczema, and skin discoloration are key evidence for ratings above 10%.

⚠Not tracking ulceration episodes with medical records — intermittent ulceration supports the 40% rating and persistent ulceration supports 60%.

⚠Not documenting compression therapy as evidence of chronic treatment need — prescriptions for compression stockings and ongoing vascular follow-up demonstrate the chronic nature of the condition.