If you have an aneurysm you believe is tied to your time in the military, this post will help you understand the VA benefits you could be entitled to of up to $3,831.30 each month.
Veterans with service-connected aneurysms of any kind may be eligible for an aneurysm VA rating. In this article, we explain the different types of aneurysms, describe how the condition is rated, and discuss how to establish a service connection for your aneurysm with the VA.
Key Takeaways
- The VA only offers ratings of 0% or 100% for aortic aneurysms.
- To qualify for a 100% rating, an aortic aneurysm must require surgery, be symptomatic without exertion, or be at least 5 cm. in diameter.
- Other large artery aneurysms are rated at 100%, only if they are symptomatic.
- Obesity, smoking, and high cholesterol all increase the risk of aortic aneurysms.
Let’s get started today
In this article about aortic aneurysm VA disability and other aneurysm ratings:
What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel. A weakness in an artery wall causes the blood flowing through it to enlarge the weakened area. If the aneurysm ruptures, it can cause serious health complications and even be life-threatening.
There are several types of aneurysms based on where in your body they form. Three main types of aneurysms include:
- Cerebral – A cerebral aneurysm occurs in the brain. If this type of aneurysm ruptures, it can cause a stroke.
- Aortic – An aortic aneurysm is found in the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. They can either be an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which means it’s found in the abdomen, or a thoracic aortic aneurysm, which occurs in the chest.
- Peripheral – A peripheral aneurysm is in arteries other than the aorta or brain, like those in the legs or neck.
An aneurysm doesn’t usually cause symptoms unless it ruptures. When symptoms are present, depending on where the aneurysm is located, they may include the following:
- Lightheadedness and dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Sudden intense pain in the chest, back, head, or abdomen
- Rapid heartbeat
Veterans and aneurysms
Veterans may be at increased risk of aneurysm because of factors associated with military service, including traumatic brain injuries. Physical trauma can increase the likelihood of experiencing an aneurysm.
Limited research also suggests mental health conditions, such as depression and PTSD, may be linked to increased risks of aneurysm. Migraines are an additional risk factor for unruptured aneurysms.
Aortic aneurysm VA disability rating
Aortic aneurysms, including thoracic aortic aneurysms, are rated using diagnostic code 7110 in the Schedule of Ratings as follows:
Under this rating criteria, those with smaller aneurysms that don’t cause symptoms or require surgery will receive a 0% noncompensable rating.
Veterans with severe aortic aneurysms that are large in size, cause symptoms without physical exertion, or require surgery are eligible to receive a 100% VA disability rating. This rating begins the day a doctor recommends surgery and will be reevaluated six months after the veteran is discharged from the hospital post-surgery.
This 100% rating is intended to be temporary if the aneurysm requires surgery. In such cases, the VA will assign a new rating based on any residual health complications.
For aortic aneurysms, residuals are likely to affect the heart and can be rated using the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart. Ratings under this formula depend on heart failure symptoms and your score on the MET test.
Veterans who experience other residual health problems after aortic aneurysm surgery will receive a VA rating under an appropriate diagnostic code based on their symptoms and the body system affected.
VA disability for other aneurysms
The VA disability rating for other types of aneurysms depends on where the aneurysm is located. The VA breaks other aneurysms down to aneurysms in a large or small artery, which we explain below.
Aneurysms in a large artery, including the brain aneurysm VA rating
Aneurysms in a large artery are rated using diagnostic code 7111 in the Schedule of Ratings as follows:
Much like aortic aneurysms, they are rated at 100% if symptomatic or requiring surgery, and this total rating continues for six months after discharge from the hospital after surgery.
When this period ends, they are reevaluated by the VA and typically awarded a new rating based on residuals using diagnostic code 7114 for peripheral arterial disease.
Aneurysms in a small artery
Aneurysms in a small artery are rated using diagnostic code 7112 in the Schedule of Ratings. They are rated at 0% without symptoms.
If you’re symptomatic, the VA provides a rating based on the body system affected and your specific symptoms. After surgery, the VA evaluates your rating based on any residual effects.
I love this law firm. They worked very hard and won my case and then blessed my family when I was still trying to fix some issues. If you need a law firm, this is the one to get to help you.”
B.R., Army veteran from South Carolina
From a Google review for Woods & Woods
Service connecting an aneurysm for VA disability
You must establish a service connection to receive VA disability benefits for an aneurysm. That means you have to prove that your aneurysm was caused or worsened by your military service.
To make a direct service connection, you would show your aneurysm first appeared during or was directly caused by your military service. For example, if you experienced a traumatic injury during service which causes an aneurysm to form, you could be owed VA disability.
You may also be able to establish a secondary service connection for an aneurysm.
Some people may be at greater risk of aortic aneurysms, including those who are obese, have high cholesterol, or smoke. Smoking, stimulant drugs, and heavy alcohol use can increase the risk of a brain aneurysm. High blood pressure may increase the risk of both types of aneurysm.
Therefore, for example, if you have service-connected hypertension and develop an aneurysm, you could qualify for an aneurysm VA rating on a secondary basis.
No matter the method of service connection, you’ll need to provide evidence showing you have the condition, how severe it is, and a medical nexus tying it back to your service.
How Woods & Woods can help
The VA-accredited attorneys at Woods & Woods have helped thousands of veterans nationwide get the disability benefits they deserve. Call us today for a free case evaluation. You won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.
Don’t fight the VA alone
Frequently asked questions
Yes, an aortic aneurysm can qualify for VA disability benefits, but eligibility depends on severity, symptoms, and how the condition impacts your ability to function in daily life. If you need surgery for the aneurysm, that’s taken into account as well and increases the disability benefit, at least temporarily.
Yes, a brain aneurysm can qualify as a VA disability. To receive benefits, you must be able to connect the development of the aneurysm to your military service.
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
