---
title: "DC 7110 - Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal"
diagnostic_code: "7110"
body_system: "Cardiovascular System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.104"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/cardiovascular/7110-aortic-aneurysm-ascending-thoracic-or-abdominal"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.104"
updated: "2026-07-21T18:19:48.273041Z"
---

# DC 7110 - Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominal

Rated under § 4.104. Body system: Cardiovascular System.

General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Evaluate at 100 percent if the aneurysm is any one of the following: Five centimeters or larger in diameter; symptomatic (e.g., precludes exertion); or requires surgery |
| 0% | Otherwise |

## Notes

- Evaluate non-cardiovascular residuals of surgical correction according to organ systems affected.
- Note: When surgery is required, a 100-percent evaluation begins on the date a physician recommends surgical correction with a mandatory VA examination six months following hospital discharge. Evaluate post-surgical residuals under the General Rating Formula. Any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination shall be subject to the provisions of § 3.105(e) of this chapter.

# Aortic Aneurysm (Ascending, Thoracic, or Abdominal)

**VA Diagnostic Code 7110 — Cardiovascular System (38 CFR § 4.104)**

## Understanding This Condition

An aortic aneurysm is a bulging or enlargement of the aorta, the body's main artery. Depending on where it occurs, it may be described as ascending, thoracic, or abdominal. The VA evaluates this condition under Diagnostic Code 7110 as part of the Cardiovascular System rating schedule.

## Available Rating Levels

Under Diagnostic Code 7110, this condition is rated at one of two levels:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **100%** | The aneurysm meets **any one** of the following: it is **five centimeters or larger in diameter**; it is **symptomatic** (for example, it precludes exertion); or it **requires surgery**. |
| **0%** | The condition does not meet the criteria above. |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating an aortic aneurysm, the VA considers factors such as:

- **The size of the aneurysm** — specifically whether it is five centimeters or larger in diameter.
- **Whether it is symptomatic** — for example, whether it precludes exertion.
- **Whether surgery is required.**

Meeting **any one** of these three factors supports a 100-percent evaluation.

## When Surgery Is Involved

A few additional points apply when surgical correction is part of the picture:

- **When surgery is required, a 100-percent evaluation begins** on the date a physician recommends surgical correction, with a **mandatory VA examination six months following hospital discharge.**
- **Post-surgical residuals** are then evaluated under the General Rating Formula.
- Any change in evaluation based on that examination or any subsequent examination is **subject to the provisions of § 3.105(e)** of this chapter.
- **Non-cardiovascular residuals of surgical correction** are evaluated according to the organ systems affected.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 7110 (38 CFR § 4.104). It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.104