The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rates Raynaud's syndrome under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7117 in 38 CFR 4.104 at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 100%. At Rank and Pay, we track how disability regulations translate into actual rating decisions so you can see where your medical evidence fits. Raynaud's syndrome is a vascular condition where cold temperatures or emotional upsets cause blood vessels to narrow and temporarily restrict blood flow to your extremities.
Your rating depends directly on the frequency of your attacks and whether you have physical tissue damage. Lower evaluations focus on weekly or daily episodes. Higher evaluations require documented digital ulcers or tissue loss.
Raynaud's VA Rating Schedule Under DC 7117
Under Diagnostic Code 7117, VA rates Raynaud's syndrome according to how often characteristic attacks occur and whether the condition causes digital ulcers or auto-amputation. The rating schedule in 38 CFR 4.104 establishes five distinct percentage tiers based on these clinical markers.
A 10% rating requires characteristic attacks occurring one to three times a week.
A 20% rating requires characteristic attacks occurring four to six times a week.
A 40% rating requires characteristic attacks occurring at least daily.
A 60% rating requires two or more digital ulcers along with a history of characteristic attacks.
A 100% rating requires two or more digital ulcers plus auto-amputation of one or more digits and a history of characteristic attacks.
Diagnostic Criteria for Characteristic Attacks
Note 1 of DC 7117 defines a characteristic Raynaud's attack as sequential color changes of the digits of one or more extremities lasting minutes to hours, sometimes with pain and paresthesias, precipitated by cold exposure or emotional upsets. Each element of this definition establishes a specific clinical standard for your records.
The primary clinical marker is the sequential change in skin color. These episodes can last a few minutes or persist for several hours.
Pain and paresthesias, including numbness and prickling sensations, often accompany the color shifts.
The DC 7117 criteria are for Raynaud's phenomenon, which represents secondary Raynaud's. You should confirm how VA treats primary versus secondary Raynaud's in the current regulation before you submit a claim.
Comparison of Rating Levels and Symptoms
Reviewing the criteria across all five tiers shows the progression from intermittent vasospasms to permanent tissue damage. The following table compares each rating level under DC 7117 with its required clinical proof.
| Rating Level | Clinical Threshold | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Characteristic attacks one to three times a week | Medical records or symptom logs showing one to three weekly attacks |
| 20% | Characteristic attacks four to six times a week | Clinical notes or symptom logs showing attacks on four to six days weekly |
| 40% | Characteristic attacks occurring at least daily | Medical evidence documenting daily attacks affecting extremities |
| 60% | Two or more digital ulcers with a history of characteristic attacks | Clinical examination records verifying at least two digital ulcers |
| 100% | Two or more digital ulcers plus auto-amputation of one or more digits | Surgical or clinical records confirming digital ulcers and auto-amputation |
Direct and Secondary Service Connection Routes
Establishing service connection for Raynaud's syndrome requires either a direct connection from your military service or a secondary connection linked to an existing service-connected condition. You must present clear medical and administrative evidence under either path.
Direct service connection requires three specific elements. You must have a current medical diagnosis of Raynaud's syndrome, documented evidence of an in-service injury or event, and a medical nexus linking the two. You can review these foundational requirements in our guide to service connection requirements.
A medical nexus statement connects your current diagnosis to your military service records. The nexus must come from a licensed medical provider who reviews your service records and explains the connection. Learn how providers format these opinions in our nexus letter guide.
Secondary service connection falls under 38 CFR 3.310. Under this rule, a disability that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability qualifies for compensation. For detailed filing guidance on related impairments, check our overview of secondary conditions.
Check VA's presumptive condition pages to see whether any presumption applies to your service.
Evidence Gathering and Symptom Documentation
Because Raynaud's attacks are episodic and triggered by environmental cold or emotional upsets, an ongoing symptom log provides documentation of your attack frequency. Raters cannot observe your daily symptoms during a single office visit.
Your log should record the date and time of every attack. Note the specific trigger, such as cold weather or acute stress, and record the duration of color changes. Document whether you experienced numbness, burning, or tingling during the episode.
Clinical treatment records must corroborate your personal documentation. Visit your healthcare provider during active flare-ups whenever feasible so they can enter physical observations directly into your medical charts.
Medical records that detail your prescribed treatments and clinical evaluations substantiate your reported frequency. Consistent treatment notes provide objective evidence that reinforces your personal records.
Expectations for a Compensation and Pension Exam
During a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam for Raynaud's syndrome, the examiner asks about your symptoms and your treatment history.
Be prepared to discuss how many attacks occur during an average week. Describe your specific triggers and explain how long color changes typically last. For practical preparation guidance, review our C&P exam tips.
Combined Ratings for Multiple Disabilities
VA does not add disability percentages together through simple addition when you have multiple service-connected conditions. Instead, VA calculates a combined rating using a non-additive efficiency table.
For instance, if VA assigns a 20% rating for Raynaud's syndrome and you already hold a separate 30% rating, your total is not 50%. VA applies the 20% rating to your remaining 70% non-disabled efficiency, producing 44%, which rounds to a 40% combined rating. You can calculate your combined percentage using our VA disability rating calculator.
Your official decision letter breaks down how the rater calculated your overall percentage. When your decision packet arrives, you can interpret the findings using our guide on reading a rating decision.
Medical Record Review Against DC 7117 Thresholds
Reviewing your own medical files against the diagnostic criteria clarifies which rating tier reflects your documented symptoms. This reading exercise demonstrates how clinical evidence matches the specific levels in the regulation.
Suppose your treatment notes document color changes in your hands occurring five days each week. The doctor notes blanching followed by blue discoloration during cold exposure, with attacks lasting forty minutes. That clinical documentation aligns with the 20% rating tier for attacks occurring four to six times weekly.
Suppose another record shows episodic color changes occurring only twice per month without skin lesions. This record falls below the one-to-three-attacks-per-week description for 10%, and VA decides how a record like this is rated.
Suppose a third record documents daily color changes alongside two healed digital ulcers on your fingertips. The presence of the ulcers shifts the evaluation from the 40% daily attack tier to the 60% ulcer tier. Raters assign percentages based on documented clinical criteria rather than subjective descriptions.
Intended Audience and Exclusions
This guide covers disability compensation ratings, not other VA programs.
This guide is also not intended for individuals who experience cold hands or feet without a formal medical diagnosis. VA requires confirmed medical pathology documented by a licensed physician before awarding service connection.
If you experience circulatory symptoms but lack medical documentation, consult a doctor for diagnosis and clinical treatment before submitting a claim.
Conditions That Alter This Evaluation
A revision to 38 CFR 4.104 by VA would alter the percentage levels, diagnostic notes, and frequency thresholds described on this page. Regulatory amendments periodically modify diagnostic criteria across the rating schedule.
Changes in how VA interprets primary versus secondary Raynaud's would also change these evaluation standards. If VA updates its administrative guidance regarding primary Raynaud's, rating decisions could change accordingly.
Always verify the current regulatory text in official publications before relying on specific percentage criteria for your claim.
Steps to File a Raynaud's Syndrome Claim
Filing a claim for Raynaud's syndrome requires submitting formal medical records and service documentation through official VA application channels. Following a structured procedure helps ensure your claim packet includes necessary evidence.
- Submit an Intent to File on the official VA website to establish your effective date.
- Gather clinical treatment records, diagnostic test results, and your symptom log.
- Obtain a medical nexus opinion if you are filing for secondary service connection or direct connection without service treatment records.
- Submit your completed application online through the VA claim filing portal.
- Attend your scheduled C&P examination to document your symptom frequency and physical signs.
Review the standard eligibility criteria at VA disability eligibility before completing your application. Check your current medical records and symptom frequency today against the official rules to determine your next step in seeking a Raynaud's VA rating.
This page provides general information and is not legal or financial advice. Rank and Pay is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Confirm current rating text and regulations with the official VA office before relying on them.