VA Disability Rating for Aneurysm of Any Small Artery (DC 7112)
Diagnostic Code 7112 · 38 CFR §4.104
What Is It?
This diagnostic code covers aneurysms in smaller arteries throughout the body. Small artery aneurysms are less common than large artery aneurysms and are typically found in arteries of the hands, feet, brain, or internal organs. They can result from trauma, infection, connective tissue disorders, or other vascular conditions related to military service. While generally less immediately dangerous than large artery aneurysms, they can still cause significant symptoms and complications. DC 7112 prints one line and one evaluation: asymptomatic, 0 percent. It assigns nothing else. Its Note sends every other case somewhere better suited to it — if the aneurysm is symptomatic, evaluate according to the body system affected, and following surgery, evaluate the residuals under the body system affected. That is why a 0 percent evaluation here is not the end of a claim. A small artery aneurysm pressing on a nerve is rated under the neurological schedule, one in the brain on its neurological residuals, one impairing a hand or foot on the function actually lost. The 0 percent under DC 7112 records the service-connected aneurysm itself; the compensable evaluation, where there is one, comes from the body system it affects.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Asymptomatic. This is the only evaluation DC 7112 assigns. A Note to the code directs that if the aneurysm is symptomatic it be evaluated according to the body system affected, and that following surgery the residuals be evaluated under the body system affected. |
Evidence Needed
- Imaging showing the aneurysm location and size — angiography, CT, MRI, or duplex ultrasound
- Documentation of symptoms or complications such as pain, numbness, or functional loss
- Surgical records if the aneurysm was repaired
- Service medical records or nexus letter explaining how the aneurysm relates to service
C&P Exam Tips
- Bring imaging that clearly shows the aneurysm
- Describe any symptoms caused by the aneurysm — pain, weakness, numbness in the affected area
- If the aneurysm affects function of a hand, foot, or organ, explain the specific limitations
- Report any history of the aneurysm causing complications like bleeding or embolism
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ with imaging evidence and documentation of symptoms. Include a nexus letter if the aneurysm is secondary to a service-connected condition or service-related trauma.
Common Mistakes
Looking for a compensable percentage under DC 7112 itself The code prints only the 0 percent row. A symptomatic small artery aneurysm is evaluated under the body system it affects, so identify that system — neurological, digestive, genitourinary, or the function of the limb — and claim it there as well. Not connecting to service-related trauma If the aneurysm resulted from an injury during service, include records of the original injury along with current imaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a small artery aneurysm serious enough to rate?
Yes, but the compensable evaluation does not come from DC 7112. The code assigns 0 percent for an asymptomatic aneurysm and nothing else; its Note directs that a symptomatic aneurysm, and the residuals of surgery on one, be evaluated according to the body system affected. So the claim is worth filing — a service-connected 0 percent evaluation is still service connection, and it opens the door to a rating under whichever body system the aneurysm actually impairs.
What if my small artery aneurysm is in the brain?
A symptomatic cerebral aneurysm is evaluated according to the body system affected, which for the brain means the neurological schedule at 38 CFR 4.124a. DC 7112 records the aneurysm at 0 percent when it is asymptomatic; the neurological residuals carry the evaluation.