Cardiovascular

DC 7122

Cold injury residuals

Educational use only. Not legal or medical advice. Read 38 CFR §4.104 on eCFR
Diagnostic Code
7122
CFR Section
§4.104 — Cardiovascular

Rating Tiers

30%

Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity plus two or more of the following: Tissue loss, nail abnormalities, color changes, locally impaired sensation, hyperhidrosis, anhydrosis, X-ray abnormalities (osteoporosis, subarticular punched-out lesions, or osteoarthritis), atrophy or fibrosis of the affected musculature, flexion or extension deformity of distal joints, volar fat pad loss in fingers or toes, avascular necrosis of bone, chronic ulceration, carpal or tarsal tunnel syndrome

20%

Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity plus one of the following: Tissue loss, nail abnormalities, color changes, locally impaired sensation, hyperhidrosis, anhydrosis, X-ray abnormalities (osteoporosis, subarticular punched-out lesions, or osteoarthritis), atrophy or fibrosis of the affected musculature, flexion or extension deformity of distal joints, volar fat pad loss in fingers or toes, avascular necrosis of bone, chronic ulceration, carpal or tarsal tunnel syndrome

10%

Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity

Rated Under Formula

This condition is rated using the §4.104 general rating formula.

100%

Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms

60%

Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms

30%

Workload of 5.1-7.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalent (e.g., multigated acquisition scan or magnetic resonance imaging)

10%

Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control

What Raters Look For

Based on M21-1 adjudication criteria for Cardiovascular conditions. These are the factors a VA rater evaluates when assigning a rating percentage.

M21-1 III.iv.4.C
  • •Ejection fraction percentage from echocardiogram or MUGA scan
  • •Exercise tolerance in METs from stress test results
  • •NYHA functional class (I–IV) documented in treatment records
  • •Arrhythmia type, documented frequency, and whether it requires intervention
  • •Workup findings: EKG, Holter monitor, echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization
  • •Episodes of heart failure, hospitalizations, or emergency care
  • •Current medications and whether the condition is controlled or progressive
NoteMETs on stress testing directly correspond to rating percentages under 38 CFR §4.104. A stress test result in the records is critical evidence.