---
title: "DC 7113 - Arteriovenous fistula, traumatic"
diagnostic_code: "7113"
body_system: "Cardiovascular System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.104"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/cardiovascular/7113-arteriovenous-fistula-traumatic"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.104"
updated: "2026-07-21T04:02:02.783447Z"
---

# DC 7113 - Arteriovenous fistula, traumatic

Rated under § 4.104. Body system: Cardiovascular System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | With high-output heart failure |
| 60% | Without heart failure but with enlarged heart, wide pulse pressure, and tachycardia |
| 50% | Without cardiac involvement but with chronic edema, stasis dermatitis, and either ulceration or cellulitis: Lower extremity |
| 40% | Without cardiac involvement but with chronic edema, stasis dermatitis, and either ulceration or cellulitis: Upper extremity |
| 30% | Without cardiac involvement but with chronic edema or stasis dermatitis: Lower extremity |
| 20% | Without cardiac involvement but with chronic edema or stasis dermatitis: Upper extremity |

# Traumatic Arteriovenous Fistula (VA Diagnostic Code 7113)

**Understanding how the VA rates a traumatic arteriovenous fistula under the Cardiovascular System.**

---

## What This Condition Is

A traumatic arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein that develops as a result of injury. Because blood flows directly from the artery into the vein instead of following its normal path, this condition can affect the heart and circulation, as well as the tissues in the affected arm or leg.

The VA evaluates this condition under **38 CFR § 4.104**, using **Diagnostic Code 7113**. Ratings reflect the severity of the condition, including whether the heart is involved and how the circulation in the affected limb is impacted.

---

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating based on the specific findings associated with the fistula. The available levels are:

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **100%** | With high-output heart failure |
| **60%** | Without heart failure but with enlarged heart, wide pulse pressure, and tachycardia |
| **50%** | Without cardiac involvement but with chronic edema, stasis dermatitis, and either ulceration or cellulitis — **lower extremity** |
| **40%** | Without cardiac involvement but with chronic edema, stasis dermatitis, and either ulceration or cellulitis — **upper extremity** |
| **30%** | Without cardiac involvement but with chronic edema or stasis dermatitis — **lower extremity** |
| **20%** | Without cardiac involvement but with chronic edema or stasis dermatitis — **upper extremity** |

---

## What the VA Looks For

When rating a traumatic arteriovenous fistula, the VA focuses on two main areas:

- **Cardiac involvement.** The highest ratings turn on how the condition affects the heart. High-output heart failure supports the **100%** level, while findings such as an enlarged heart, wide pulse pressure, and tachycardia (without heart failure) correspond to the **60%** level.

- **Circulatory effects in the affected limb.** When there is no cardiac involvement, the VA looks at the impact on the affected arm or leg — including chronic edema (swelling), stasis dermatitis (skin changes from poor circulation), and complications such as ulceration or cellulitis. Ratings at these levels also depend on whether the **upper extremity** or **lower extremity** is affected, with lower-extremity findings generally rated higher than the same findings in an upper extremity.

The specific combination of symptoms present — and whether they appear in an arm or a leg — determines which level in the schedule applies.

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