Cold injury residuals DC 7122
VA rates it under diagnostic code 7122 in 38 CFR 4.104. Body system: Heart & blood pressure.
Also searched as: frostbite, cold injury.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 3 rating levels for this code: 10%, 20%, and 30%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
Source: 38 CFR 4.104 on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.104, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
With the following in affected parts:
Notes in the schedule (2)
Note (1): Separately evaluate amputations of fingers or toes, and complications such as squamous cell carcinoma at the site of a cold injury scar or peripheral neuropathy, under other diagnostic codes. Separately evaluate other disabilities diagnosed as the residual effects of cold injury, such as Raynaud's syndrome (which is otherwise known as secondary Raynaud's phenomenon), muscle atrophy, etc., unless they are used to support an evaluation under diagnostic code 7122.
Note (2): Evaluate each affected part (e.g., hand, foot, ear, nose) separately and combine the ratings in accordance with §§ 4.25 and 4.26.
Presumptive rules that include it
If your service matches one of these, VA presumes the link to service and you do not need a medical opinion connecting it.
Former prisoners of war (any length)
Covered: Lasting effects of frostbite, if you were held in conditions where frostbite could happen.
Who qualifies: Any length of time held as a prisoner of war. The condition must reach at least 10% disabling at any time after service.
38 CFR 3.309(c)(1). Sources: 38 CFR 3.309; VA.gov: Benefits for former prisoners of war
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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