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Evidence checklist

Peripheral Vascular Disease

DC 711438 CFR § 4.104Cardiovascular

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
Ankle/brachial index (ABI) testing at rest and post-exerciseCritical

ABI results quantify the severity of peripheral arterial disease. Resting ABI below 0.9 indicates disease; post-exercise ABI drop confirms hemodynamic significance.

Private provider · independent opinion
Vascular specialist evaluation documenting claudication and trophic changesCritical

A vascular surgeon or specialist evaluation documenting claudication distance, skin changes (hair loss, thickened nails, trophic ulcers), and pulses in the affected extremities.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking PVD to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting PVD to service-connected diabetes, hypertension, smoking-related causes, or other in-service factors. Agent Orange veterans may have a presumptive basis.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 2 collected
Arterial duplex ultrasound or CT angiography

Imaging documenting arterial stenosis location and severity, which guides treatment planning and documents objective disease extent.

VA or private records · written request
Wound care records for ischemic ulcers (if applicable)

Records documenting non-healing ischemic ulcers, debridement, revascularization procedures, or amputation — all support the highest rating levels.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Claudication distance log

A personal or medical log of your walking limits. Since 2021 the DC 7114 percentage comes from objective vascular testing — ankle/brachial index, ankle pressure, toe pressure, or transcutaneous oxygen tension. Walking distance was removed from DC 7114 in 2021 and no longer sets a percentage — so bring the vascular study as well; the log supports the overall functional picture and any TDIU claim.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Artery and Vein ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing ABI results, claudication assessment, trophic changes, and functional limitations from peripheral vascular disease.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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