VA Disability Rating for Aneurysm of Any Large Artery (DC 7111)
Diagnostic Code 7111 · 38 CFR §4.104
What Is It?
This diagnostic code covers aneurysms in any large artery other than the aorta. Large arteries include the iliac, femoral, carotid, subclavian, and other major vessels. An aneurysm is a weakened, bulging section of the artery wall that can grow over time and potentially rupture. Veterans may develop these aneurysms from service-related hypertension, vascular damage from injuries, atherosclerosis, or other service-connected causes. DC 7111 prints a single evaluation, 100 percent, and it is a temporary one: it runs while the aneurysm is symptomatic, and where surgery is recommended it runs from the date a physician recommends surgical correction through six months after discharge from the inpatient admission for that surgery. The schedule then says in its own words where the rating comes from next — following surgery, evaluate under DC 7114, peripheral arterial disease — so once the six months are up a mandatory VA examination sets the evaluation and the repaired artery is rated on the peripheral arterial disease criteria: ankle/brachial index, ankle pressure, toe pressure or transcutaneous oxygen tension. Where the criteria for the 100 percent evaluation are not met, 38 CFR 4.31 assigns 0 percent; the code prints no other figure of its own.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | If symptomatic; or, for the period beginning on the date a physician recommends surgical correction and continuing for six months following discharge from inpatient hospital admission for surgical correction. Following surgery, the aneurysm is evaluated under DC 7114 (peripheral arterial disease). |
Evidence Needed
- Imaging studies (CT angiography, MR angiography, or duplex ultrasound) showing the aneurysm size and location
- Vascular surgery operative reports if repaired
- The date a physician first recommended surgical correction, and the discharge date from the surgical admission — the 100 percent evaluation runs between them
- Ankle-brachial index, ankle pressure, toe pressure or transcutaneous oxygen tension results after repair — these set the DC 7114 evaluation that follows
- Records showing symptoms — pain, pulsatile mass, limb ischemia
- Service medical records or nexus opinion linking the aneurysm to a service-connected condition
C&P Exam Tips
- Bring current imaging showing the aneurysm location and size
- Describe walking limitations and any pain that occurs with exertion
- If surgically repaired, bring operative notes and all follow-up vascular studies
- Report any complications such as embolism, thrombosis, or recurrence
- If you are more than six months past discharge, expect the mandatory examination that moves the evaluation to DC 7114 — ask that ankle/brachial index, ankle pressure, toe pressure or transcutaneous oxygen tension be measured by objective testing
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ with imaging evidence, surgical records if applicable, and a nexus letter connecting the aneurysm to service. If you have service-connected hypertension or vascular disease, file as secondary.
Common Mistakes
Not getting proper vascular imaging A CT angiography or MR angiography provides the detailed measurements the VA needs. A simple ultrasound may not be sufficient for rating purposes. Missing the post-surgical convalescent period If you had surgical repair, claim the temporary 100 percent rating during your recovery period. Treating the 100 percent as permanent DC 7111 assigns it for the period ending six months after discharge. A mandatory VA examination follows, and from that point the evaluation is taken under DC 7114 on objective circulation testing, not on walking distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from an aortic aneurysm rating?
DC 7111 covers large arteries other than the aorta, which is rated under DC 7110. The two codes are built differently. DC 7110 prints two evaluations, 100 and 0, keyed to the size of the aneurysm, whether it is symptomatic and whether surgery is required. DC 7111 prints only the 100 percent evaluation, and after surgery it sends you to DC 7114.
What if the aneurysm is being monitored but not yet repaired?
A symptomatic aneurysm is evaluated at 100 percent under DC 7111. The 100 percent also begins on the date a physician recommends surgical correction, so a recommendation on the record starts the clock even before the operation. Where the aneurysm is asymptomatic and no surgery has been recommended, 38 CFR 4.31 assigns 0 percent.
Can an aneurysm from a service-related injury be rated?
Yes. Traumatic aneurysms caused by blast injuries, shrapnel, or other service-related vascular trauma are service-connectable.