VA Disability Rating for Cold Injury Residuals: Complete Guide to Getting Your Claim Approved
How to get VA disability rating for cold injury residuals (frostbite). Rating criteria from 10% to 30%, evidence needed, and secondary conditions.
VA Disability Rating for Cold Injury Residuals: Complete Claims Guide
Bottom Line Up Front
Cold injury residuals (frostbite, trench foot, immersion foot) are rated under Diagnostic Code 7122 with ratings from 10% to 30% per affected extremity. Each affected area is rated separately, so veterans with multiple limbs affected can receive significant combined ratings. Cold injuries are common among Korean War veterans, Alaska/cold weather veterans, and infantry personnel who served in harsh winter conditions. The key evidence is documentation of cold exposure during service and current residual symptoms like cold sensitivity, numbness, and pain. Claims typically take 3-6 months.
What Are Cold Injury Residuals?
Cold injury residuals are the long-term effects of frostbite, trench foot, or other cold-related injuries sustained during military service.
Types of Cold Injuries:
- Frostbite: Freezing of tissues, most common in fingers, toes, ears, nose
- Trench Foot/Immersion Foot: Prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions
- Chilblains: Repeated exposure to cold (not freezing) temperatures
- Hypothermia: Core body temperature drop (can cause lasting effects)
Common Residual Symptoms:
- Cold sensitivity (affected areas feel cold easily)
- Numbness or reduced sensation
- Pain (especially in cold weather)
- Color changes (pale, red, blue)
- Nail abnormalities
- Tissue loss (severe cases)
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Arthritis in affected joints
Military Connections:
Common Exposure Scenarios
- Korean War: Chosin Reservoir, winter campaigns
- Alaska/Arctic duty: Extreme cold weather training
- Mountain warfare training: High altitude, cold exposure
- Infantry operations: Extended field duty in winter
- Guard duty: Prolonged standing in cold conditions
- European winter campaigns: WWII, Cold War
- High altitude training: Parachute, mountain units
VA Rating Criteria
Cold injury residuals are rated under 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7122:
Per Affected Part (Hand, Foot, Ear, Nose)
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity |
| 20% | Arthralgia or other pain, numbness, or cold sensitivity PLUS tissue loss, nail abnormalities, color changes, locally impaired sensation, hyperhidrosis, or X-ray abnormalities (osteoporosis, subarticular punched out lesions, or osteoarthritis) |
| 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, or X-ray abnormalities |
Key Points
- Each affected part is rated separately (right foot, left foot, right hand, left hand, each ear, nose)
- Amputations are rated separately under amputation codes, not DC 7122
- Minimum 10% if you have pain, numbness, OR cold sensitivity
Example Ratings
Bilateral Frostbite (Both Feet):
- Right foot with cold sensitivity, numbness, and color changes: 20%
- Left foot with cold sensitivity, numbness, and color changes: 20%
- Combined rating would be calculated using VA math
Four Extremities Affected:
- Right hand: 10%
- Left hand: 10%
- Right foot: 20%
- Left foot: 20%
- Results in significant combined rating
Evidence You Need
Service Connection Evidence
- Service treatment records documenting cold injury
- Service in cold weather location/assignment
- Unit history showing cold weather operations
- Buddy statements about cold exposure
- Personnel records showing duty stations
For Korean War Veterans:
- Service during Korean War winters (especially 1950-1951)
- Assignment to units involved in Chosin Reservoir or winter campaigns
- Often limited medical records—buddy statements and unit histories help
Current Diagnosis Evidence
- Examination documenting cold injury residuals
- X-rays of affected extremities
- Documentation of specific symptoms:
- Cold sensitivity
- Numbness
- Pain
- Color changes
- Nail abnormalities
- Tissue loss
Severity Evidence
- Detailed symptom documentation
- X-ray findings (osteoporosis, osteoarthritis)
- Functional limitations
- Treatment records
C&P Exam: What to Expect
The examiner will:
- Review cold exposure history
- Examine all affected areas
- Document symptoms present
- Order or review X-rays
- Assess each qualifying symptom
- Rate each affected part separately
What to tell them:
- When and where cold injury occurred
- All affected body parts (don't forget ears, nose)
- Cold sensitivity (describe how cold affects you)
- Numbness or reduced sensation
- Pain (especially in cold weather)
- Any color changes
- Nail problems
- How symptoms affect daily life
Important Tips:
- List all affected areas: Frostbite often affects multiple extremities
- Describe cold sensitivity: "My feet hurt when it's below 50 degrees," etc.
- Mention year-round symptoms: Not just winter problems
Secondary Conditions
Cold injury residuals can cause:
- Peripheral neuropathy in affected areas
- Arthritis in affected joints
- Raynaud's syndrome (secondary vascular problems)
- Depression (chronic pain, limitation)
- Gait abnormalities (if feet affected) leading to knee/hip/back problems
Important: Some of these may be rated as part of cold injury residuals or separately—depends on medical evidence.
Personal Statement Template
Personal Statement for Cold Injury Residuals
I, [Full Name], submit this statement for cold injury residuals affecting my [list all affected body parts].
Service Connection: I sustained cold injuries during my military service:
Location/Dates: [Where and when—e.g., Korea December 1950, Ft. Drum winter training 1995]
Circumstances: [Describe the cold exposure event(s):]
- Duration of exposure
- Conditions (temperature, wet/dry, wind)
- What you were doing
- Any immediate symptoms
- Treatment received (if any)
Example: "During the Chosin Reservoir campaign in December 1950, our unit was exposed to temperatures reaching -35°F for over two weeks. I developed frostbite on both feet and hands. My feet turned white and then black on the toes. Medical treatment was limited to warming and bandaging."
Affected Body Parts:
-
Right Foot:
- Cold sensitivity: [describe]
- Numbness: [describe]
- Pain: [describe]
- Color changes: [describe]
- Nail abnormalities: [describe]
-
Left Foot: [Same categories]
-
Right Hand: [Same categories]
-
Left Hand: [Same categories]
-
Ears/Nose: [If applicable]
Current Symptoms:
Cold Sensitivity: My [affected parts] become painful and cold when the temperature drops below [X] degrees. I must [wear extra layers, avoid going outside, use hand warmers, etc.].
Numbness: I have [constant/intermittent] numbness in [specific areas]. This affects my ability to [feel textures, manipulate objects, walk on uneven ground, etc.].
Pain: I experience [type of pain—aching, burning, stabbing] in [locations], especially [when cold, all the time, etc.].
Other Symptoms:
- Color changes: [describe]
- Nail problems: [describe]
- Tissue loss: [if any]
- Sweating abnormalities: [if any]
Functional Impact:
- Cannot tolerate temperatures below [X] degrees
- Limited outdoor activities in winter
- Difficulty with [specific activities]
- Work limitations: [describe]
I certify these statements are true.
[Signature] [Date]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is each body part rated separately?
Yes. Each affected hand, foot, ear, or nose receives its own rating. This is one of the few conditions where the VA explicitly rates multiple body parts separately.
What if I don't have medical records from the cold injury?
Buddy statements, unit histories, and service records showing assignment to cold weather locations can help establish exposure. Korean War veterans especially often have limited medical documentation.
Do I need X-rays?
X-rays showing osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, or other abnormalities support a higher rating (20% or 30% vs. 10%). Get X-rays of affected extremities before filing.
What is "cold sensitivity"?
Affected areas are hypersensitive to cold—feeling cold, painful, or numb at temperatures that don't bother unaffected areas. Document the specific temperature threshold that triggers symptoms.
Can I claim secondary conditions?
Yes. Peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, Raynaud's, and other conditions caused by cold injury can be claimed as secondary.
What if my frostbite was minor during service but causes problems now?
Cold injuries often cause progressive damage over decades. Even "minor" frostbite can result in significant residuals. Document your current symptoms.
Are there presumptive conditions for cold injury?
Cold injury itself is not presumptive, but the VA recognizes that documented cold exposure leads to predictable long-term residuals. The key is documenting the original exposure.
Resources
VA Forms:
VA Rating Information:
Research Resources:
This guide is for informational purposes only. Every claim is unique—consult with an accredited claims agent for personalized guidance.