★ Cardiovascular
Lymphedema VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.104 (analogous DC 7121)
Overview
Lymphedema is chronic swelling caused by lymphatic system damage — most often from cancer surgery, lymph-node dissection, radiation, infection, or trauma.
VA does not have a dedicated diagnostic code for lymphedema, so it is rated analogously under § 4.20 — most commonly using DC 7121 (post-phlebitic syndrome).
Bilateral involvement may qualify for the bilateral factor under § 4.26.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Direct: in-service injury, infection, or surgery causing lymphatic damage.
- Secondary: lymphedema following service-connected cancer treatment (mastectomy, prostatectomy, melanoma node dissection) or trauma.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.104 (analogous DC 7121)
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Intermittent edema of extremity or beginning stasis pigmentation or eczema. |
| 20% | Persistent edema, incompletely relieved by elevation. |
| 40% | Persistent edema and stasis pigmentation or eczema, with or without intermittent ulceration. |
| 60% | Persistent edema or subcutaneous induration, stasis pigmentation or eczema, and persistent ulceration. |
| 100% | Massive board-like edema with constant pain at rest. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Lymphoscintigraphy or imaging confirming lymphatic dysfunction.
- Photographs documenting edema, skin changes, and ulceration.
- Treatment notes for compression garments, manual lymph drainage, and pneumatic pumps.
- Operative reports if secondary to lymph-node dissection or radiation.
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Lymphedema:
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Lymphedema claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.