Cold Injuries

BASIC RATING FORMULA FOR COLD INJURIES

(Frostbite and other conditions caused by overexposure to the cold):

PERCENTAGE

DESCRIPTION

Permanent damage to the arteries, nerves, and veins and are rated on the persistent symptoms of the condition

30%

Joint pain, numbness or sensitivity to the cold in the area affected and two or more of the following: discoloration of the skin, abnormal nail growth, tissue loss, decreased ability to feel, hyperhidrosis, or other abnormalities proven by x-ray

20%

Joint pain, numbness or sensitivity to the cold in the area affected and one of the following: discoloration of the skin, abnormal nail growth, tissue loss, decreased ability to feel, hyperhidrosis, or other abnormalities proven by x-ray

10%

If there is only pain, numbness or sensitivity to the cold in the affected area.

• Amputations of fingers or toes, and complications such as squamous cell carcinoma at the site of a cold injury scar or peripheral neuropathy, are rated separately under other diagnostic codes. Other disabilities that have been diagnosed as the residual effects of cold injury, such as Raynaud's phenomenon, muscle atrophy, etc., may be rated separately.

• These ratings are for individual parts affected. If a foot and a hand are both affected, then they each receive a separate rating. This does not include individual toes or fingers—if one or more fingers or toes are affected, then it is just rated once on the hand or foot.

• Any other conditions resulting from overexposure to the cold not listed under this code are to be rated separately, including amputations, carcinomas and neuropathies.

• The claim should also include personal, spouse, family and co-worker statements on how the conditions affect the Veteran’s daily activities including interference with employment, social activities and quality of life. Dates and times of symptoms are important as valid lay evidence.