Cold Injury Residuals
Cold injury residuals are rated under DC 7122 based on the severity of lasting effects from cold exposure. Each affected body part receives its own separate rating, but individual fingers or toes are not rated separately (the hand or foot is rated as a unit). This is a presumptive condition for former prisoners of war held in cold climates.
VA Rating Levels
Arthralgia (joint pain) or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity in the affected area.
Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity, plus tissue loss, nail abnormalities, color changes, locally impaired sensation, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), or X-ray abnormalities (osteoporosis, subarticular punched-out lesions, or osteoarthritis) of the affected area.
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, or X-ray abnormalities of the affected area.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →Each body part affected by cold injury gets its own rating. For example, if both feet were affected, each foot is rated separately.
- →Individual fingers or toes are not rated on their own. The hand or foot is treated as one unit for rating purposes.
- →Former POWs held in cold climates have a presumptive connection for cold injury residuals. If this applies to you, no direct service connection proof is needed.
- →Even mild residual symptoms like cold sensitivity or numbness qualify for a 10% rating. If you also have nail changes or tissue loss, you may qualify for 20% or 30%.
- →Get X-rays of the affected areas. Osteoporosis or other bone changes from cold injury can help support a higher rating.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.104, DC 7122