Raynaud's syndrome is a disease of abnormal arteriole vasoconstriction that affects the digits, usually fingers, with resulting cyanosis.

The cause is unknown, but the condition is most common in women.

In the presence of cold or emotional stress, the digits blanch, then become cyanotic, and then turn red when re-warmed or stress is removed. Pulses are normal during these episodes. Toes are not affected as frequently as fingers. Pain is not common, but numbness occurs often. Color and sensation return to normal when re-warming is complete.

Testing with a device (plethysmograph) that measures the variations in the amount of blood passing through a vessel can determine if spasms or occlusions are the cause.

Patients need to protect their body and extremities from the cold. Smoking is prohibited due to its vasoconstrictive effects. Biofeedback used in an attempt to manage stress may reduce vasospasm. Drugs that decrease blood consistency have been effective. Angiography is not indicated in this disease.

A sympathectomy may be done for those suffering from increasing disability. The symptoms will disappear, but usually only for a few years.

• May be entitled to special monthly compensation where the Veteran has a single service-connected disability rated as 100% with additional service-connected disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more, which are separate and distinct from the 100% service-connected disability and involves different anatomical segments or bodily systems. See  38 CFR 3.350(i)(1) – Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).

Notes

• For purposes of this section, characteristic attacks consist of sequential color changes of the digits of one or more extremities lasting minutes to hours, sometimes with pain and paresthesias, and precipitated by exposure to cold or by emotional upsets. These evaluations are for Raynaud's syndrome as a whole, regardless of the number of extremities involved or whether the nose and ears are involved.

• This section is for evaluating Raynaud's syndrome (secondary Raynaud's phenomenon or secondary Raynaud's). For evaluation of Raynaud's disease (primary Raynaud's), see DC 7124.

• The rating criteria for cardiovascular conditions underwent full-scale revision effective on November 14, 2021 and January 12, 1999.  A regulatory change was effective August 13, 1998, updated criteria for cold injury residuals under 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7122.  The changes are not considered liberalizing and should not be used as the basis for reduction unless the disability has actually improved.