Diagnostic Code 7110 · 38 CFR §4.104
An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge or ballooning in the wall of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. Aneurysms can occur in the chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm) or the abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm). 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. The VA rates aortic aneurysms based on whether the aneurysm has been surgically repaired and whether it causes symptoms.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 0% |
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, Ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurements if surgically repaired, Records of any rupture or emergency treatment, Service medical records or nexus letter linking the aneurysm to service-connected hypertension, atherosclerosis, or other cause