Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal
The VA rates Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal under Diagnostic Code 7110 across 3 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 7110 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.104
- Body system
- Cardiovascular System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Otherwise Note: Surveillance with periodic imaging (ultrasound or CT) is standard of care for aneurysms < 5.5 cm. Rate based on functional limitation and intervention. |
| 60% | Aortic aneurysm: Moderate to large aneurysm (4.5–5.5 cm) with symptoms (back or abdominal pain) or rapid growth; requiring medical management with beta-blockers; awaiting surgical or endovascular repair; workload limitation > 5 METs. |
| 100% | Evaluate at 100 percent if the aneurysm is any one of the following: Five centimeters or larger in diameter; symptomatic (e.g., precludes exertion); or requires surgery Note: Following surgical repair, rate by residuals at a minimum of 6 months post-procedure. Common residuals include hypertension, renal impairment, neurological complications. |
“Aortic aneurysm: Moderate to large aneurysm (4.5–5.5 cm) with symptoms (back or abdominal pain) or rapid growth; requiring medical management with beta-blockers; awaiting surgical or endovascular repair; workload limitation > 5 METs.”
Common Questions About Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal?
The VA rates Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal under Diagnostic Code 7110 at 0%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Otherwise. The maximum 100% rating requires: Evaluate at 100 percent if the aneurysm is any one of the following: Five centimeters or larger in diameter; symptomatic (e.g., precludes exertion); or requires surgery.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal?
The VA rates Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7110, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 100% rating for Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal?
A 0% rating requires: Otherwise. A 100% rating requires: Evaluate at 100 percent if the aneurysm is any one of the following: Five centimeters or larger in diameter; symptomatic (e.g., precludes exertion); or requires surgery. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal?
The key evidence for Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal?
The C&P examiner uses a Cardiovascular System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7110 rating criteria. Cardiac stress testing or METs estimation drives the rating. If you cannot exercise, the examiner estimates METs from interview. Be specific about what activities cause symptoms — stairs, walking distances, lifting limits.
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