Diagnostic Code 8007 · 38 CFR §4.124a
Cerebral embolism is a type of ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot or other debris that forms somewhere else in the body — usually the heart — and travels through the bloodstream to lodge in a brain artery, blocking blood flow. This is different from thrombotic stroke where the clot forms in the brain itself. Veterans may experience embolic strokes from service-connected heart conditions like atrial fibrillation, heart valve disease, or cardiomyopathy. The resulting brain damage and neurological deficits are rated the same way as other types of stroke.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 30% | |
| 10% |
Brain imaging showing the stroke and its extent, Cardiac evaluation identifying the source of the embolism (echocardiogram, cardiac monitoring), Neurological examination documenting all current deficits, Neuropsychological testing if cognitive issues are present, Treatment records including anticoagulation therapy, Medical records linking the embolism source to a service-connected heart condition