VASRD 7110 · Cardiovascular System

Aortic Aneurysm VA Disability Rating

Aortic aneurysm involves abnormal bulging in the wall of the aorta that can rupture or require surgical repair.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Any one of the three is enough on its own: the aneurysm measures 5 cm or more, it causes symptoms such as preventing exertion, or it requires surgery.
0%An aneurysm under 5 cm that causes no symptoms and needs no surgery is rated 0 percent — service-connected but non-compensable.

How the VA Evaluates Aortic Aneurysm

The rating distinguishes between an asymptomatic aneurysm with moderate dilation at the lower tier and chronic residuals following surgical repair at the higher tier, confirmed through imaging, surgical records, and a cardiologist's evaluation.

Approval outlook

Moderate – often approved with clear imaging and surgical history.

Veterans service-connected

~2,500 veterans

Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.

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Best Evidence to Gather

  • CT scan reports documenting the aneurysm's size and location.
  • Surgical records, if repair was performed.
  • A cardiologist's evaluation of the aneurysm and any related heart function.

Strategy Tips

  • Include your operative report if you've had surgical repair, since post-surgical residuals are a specific basis for the higher rating tier.
  • Show symptom progression over time, and list any related vascular conditions, since aortic aneurysms often occur alongside other cardiovascular issues.

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • Lack of surgical proof when claiming post-operative residuals.
  • No follow-up imaging showing the aneurysm's current status.

Common Filing Mistakes

  • Submitting only pre-operative data without follow-up imaging or evaluation.
  • Missing a cardiovascular assessment that would otherwise establish the full clinical picture.

Onset Patterns

  • Aortic aneurysms can develop from post-deployment hypertension or simply from aging-related weakening of the arterial wall.

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Aortic Aneurysm. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

Common questions about Aortic Aneurysm

Is Aortic Aneurysm a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Aortic Aneurysm under VASRD diagnostic code 7110 (Cardiovascular System). Aortic aneurysm involves abnormal bulging in the wall of the aorta that can rupture or require surgical repair.
What VA disability rating can I get for Aortic Aneurysm?
Possible VA ratings for Aortic Aneurysm are 100%, 0%. Examples: 100%: Any one of the three is enough on its own: the aneurysm measures 5 cm or more, it causes symptoms such as preventing exertion, or it requires surgery.; 0%: An aneurysm under 5 cm that causes no symptoms and needs no surgery is rated 0 percent — serv…
What evidence helps prove Aortic Aneurysm for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Aortic Aneurysm claim includes: CT scan reports documenting the aneurysm's size and location.; Surgical records, if repair was performed.; A cardiologist's evaluation of the aneurysm and any related heart function..
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Aortic Aneurysm?
Common pitfalls when filing for Aortic Aneurysm: Submitting only pre-operative data without follow-up imaging or evaluation.; Missing a cardiovascular assessment that would otherwise establish the full clinical picture..
What conditions are commonly secondary to Aortic Aneurysm?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Aortic Aneurysm include: Hypertension, Heart failure. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Official sources

  1. 38 CFR § 4.104 — Schedule of ratings — cardiovascular system (Diagnostic Code 7110)

Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Aortic Aneurysm combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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