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❤️ CardiovascularVascularDC 7110

Aortic Aneurysm

Abnormal dilation of the aorta (the main artery from the heart) that can cause chest or back pain and risk of rupture or dissection. Rated under DC 7110 based on symptoms, surgical status, and resulting functional impairment.

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VA Rating Tiers

100%
post surgical chf
60%
post surgical moderate
20%
symptomatic unrepaired
0%
asymptomatic
0%
Meets minimum criteria

Rating Notes

  • ›100%: Ascending aorta or arch involved — or surgically treated with chronic cardiovascular residuals. DC 7110.
  • ›60%: Descending aortic aneurysm 5 cm or larger — or symptomatic. DC 7110.
  • ›20%: Descending aortic aneurysm, asymptomatic, less than 5 cm. DC 7110.
  • ›0%: Documented but below compensable threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
  • ›DC 7110: Aortic aneurysm, thoracic.
  • ›Pre-surgical rating based on symptoms; post-surgical rating based on residual cardiac function (METs/EF).
  • ›100%: Chronic CHF following surgical repair.
  • ›Post-surgical residuals are rated using the general heart disease formula — obtain post-op echocardiogram.
  • ›Asymptomatic aneurysm should still be service-connected to preserve eligibility for future progression.
  • ›Secondary to hypertension is the most common service connection pathway.

Eligibility Basics

✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
  • •DC 7110 — aortic aneurysm, thoracic; rated based on symptoms, complications, and cardiac function after surgical repair.
  • •Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) may be rated under DC 7110 or separately — document location clearly.
  • •Service connection pathways: secondary to hypertension or atherosclerosis from service; direct if traumatic (blast, accident).
  • •Post-surgical rating is based on residual cardiac function — EF and METs tolerance drive the rating if CHF is present.

Evidence to Gather

Service Records

  • •in-service records of hypertension, atherosclerosis, or traumatic chest/abdominal injury
  • •records of imaging showing early aortic dilation during or shortly after service

Medical Evidence

  • •CT angiography or MRI aorta documenting aneurysm size and location
  • •echocardiogram if aortic root or thoracic aneurysm
  • •surgical operative report for aneurysm repair (open or endovascular/EVAR/TAVR)

Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)

  • •personal statement describing chest/back pain symptoms and functional limits
  • •statement connecting hypertension or service trauma to diagnosis

Diagnostic Tests

  • •CT angiography (aorta size)
  • •echocardiogram
  • •MRI aorta
  • •stress test if post-surgical CHF suspected

C&P Exam Preparation

Exam type: Cardiovascular / Aortic Aneurysm DBQ

Be ready to describe

  • •aneurysm location and size if known, and current status (repaired or monitored)
  • •symptoms — chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath
  • •connection to hypertension or service trauma

Prep notes

  • •Bring CT or MRI reports showing aneurysm size.
  • •Bring surgical operative report and post-op imaging if repaired.
  • •If post-surgical CHF is present, bring echocardiogram — EF drives the rating.

Quick Facts

Diagnostic Code
DC 7110
Category
Cardiovascular
Subcategory
Vascular
Typical Claim Type
direct
Rating Range
0% – 100%

Also Known As

aortic aneurysmthoracic aortic aneurysmTAAabdominal aortic aneurysmAAAaortic dissectionaortic root aneurysmascending aorta aneurysm

Related Conditions

Secondary to

hypertensioncoronary artery disease

Commonly leads to

heart failure
📋

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