Arteriovenous fistula, traumatic

The VA rates Arteriovenous fistula, traumatic under Diagnostic Code 7113 at 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 20% rating requires: Upper extremity. The maximum 100% rating requires: With high-output heart failure.

The VA rates Arteriovenous fistula, traumatic under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7113, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

A 20% rating requires: Upper extremity. A 100% rating requires: With high-output heart failure. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Yes — a 100% rating for Arteriovenous fistula, traumatic 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.

The key evidence for Arteriovenous fistula, traumatic 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.

The C&P examiner uses a Cardiovascular System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7113 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.