VA Disability Rating for Aortic Aneurysm (DC 7110)

Diagnostic Code 7110 · 38 CFR §4.104

What Is It?

VA rates an aortic aneurysm under 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7110, which covers ascending, thoracic and abdominal aneurysms alike and has only two evaluations: 100 percent if the aneurysm is five centimeters or larger in diameter, symptomatic (for example, it precludes exertion), or requires surgery, and 0 percent otherwise. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is rated on exactly the same criteria as one in the chest. An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge or ballooning in the wall of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. If an aneurysm ruptures, it is a life-threatening emergency. Veterans may develop aortic aneurysms due to hypertension, atherosclerosis, or other conditions related to military service.

Rating Criteria

Evidence Needed

• CT angiography or MRI showing the aneurysm size and location
• Vascular surgery records if the aneurysm was repaired
• Ultrasound surveillance reports tracking aneurysm size over time
• Exercise testing or METs findings, which set the evaluation of post-surgical residuals under the General Rating Formula
• Records of any rupture or emergency treatment
• Service medical records or nexus letter linking the aneurysm to service-connected hypertension, atherosclerosis, or other cause

C&P Exam Tips

• Bring your most recent imaging showing the aneurysm size — CT scans or ultrasounds
• If you had surgical repair, bring the operative report and all follow-up imaging
• Describe any symptoms: back pain, abdominal pain, a pulsing sensation, or exertion you can no longer manage
• If the aneurysm limits your physical activity, be specific about what you can and cannot do
• Make sure the examiner measures and records the aneurysm diameter or documents the post-surgical status

How to File

File on VA Form 21-526EZ. Include imaging showing the aneurysm, surgical records if applicable, and a nexus letter connecting the aneurysm to service-connected conditions like hypertension. If surgery has been recommended or performed, include the clinical note recording the recommendation as well as the operative report: when surgery is required, the 100 percent evaluation begins on the date a physician recommends surgical correction.

Common Mistakes

• Not monitoring and documenting aneurysm growth. Regular imaging surveillance is essential. Keep records of every ultrasound or CT scan showing the aneurysm size over time.
• Dating the 100 percent evaluation from the operation. When surgery is required, DC 7110 begins the 100 percent evaluation on the date a physician recommends surgical correction, so the clinical note recording that recommendation can be worth weeks or months of the total. File promptly and check the effective date against that note.
• Not connecting the aneurysm to service-connected hypertension. Aortic aneurysms are commonly caused by hypertension. If you have a rated hypertension condition, file the aneurysm as secondary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a small aneurysm that is being watched qualify for a rating?

An aneurysm under five centimeters reaches 100 percent only if it is symptomatic or requires surgery. Otherwise DC 7110 assigns 0 percent, which still establishes service connection and preserves the claim if the aneurysm grows or becomes symptomatic.

What happens after surgical repair?

When surgery is required, the 100 percent evaluation begins on the date a physician recommends surgical correction and runs to a mandatory VA examination six months following hospital discharge. After that, post-surgical residuals are evaluated under the General Rating Formula, and non-cardiovascular residuals of the repair are evaluated according to the organ systems affected.

Is an abdominal aortic aneurysm rated the same as a thoracic one?

Both are rated under DC 7110 using the same criteria. The location does not change the rating schedule, though thoracic aneurysms may involve different surgical approaches and recovery.