Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7110)
The VA rates Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7110, from 0% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. 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. Related conditions in the Cardiovascular body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal?
Otherwise
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.
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
“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.”
How does the VA rate Cardiovascular conditions?
Common Questions About Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal?
The VA rates Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal under Diagnostic Code 7110 at the following tiers: 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.
What is Diagnostic Code 7110?
Diagnostic Code 7110 is the VA rating identifier for Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.
What is the highest rating for Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal?
The highest schedular rating for Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal under DC 7110 is 100%. This tier 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. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal ratings?
Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7110. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal?
Service connection for Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.
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