SkinDC 7122

Frostbite Residuals / Cold Injury

Frostbite and cold injury residuals are rated under 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7122. The VA rates the residual effects (neuropathy, vascular damage, lost digits, hypersensitivity to cold) rather than the acute injury itself.

VA Rating Levels

20%

Permanent residuals — bilateral lower extremity involvement with mild neuropathy or hypersensitivity to cold.

30%

Moderate — persistent pain, paresthesias, or bilateral involvement with more marked vascular changes.

40%

More severe residuals — significant loss of tissue, digit loss, or pronounced bilateral neurological and vascular impairment.

Exam Tips & Key Evidence

→Cold injury residuals worsen over time — file for increases as symptoms progress
→Each affected extremity is rated separately
→Raynaud's phenomenon can result from cold injury and is separately ratable

Commonly Related Conditions

Peripheral Neuropathy (Diabetes-Related)Peripheral Arterial Disease Hand and Finger Conditions

38 CFR Reference

38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7122