Thoracic Aortic Dissection Residuals

DC 7111Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7111

Ongoing problems after a tear in the wall of the large blood vessel leaving the heart (thoracic aorta), usually after surgical repair. The VA rates residuals based on your heart workload capacity measured in METs, ejection fraction, and whether you have heart failure.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 7111

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7111. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have chronic congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less causing symptoms, or your ejection fraction is less than 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure documented
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Ongoing surveillance imaging of aortic repair
Severe exercise limitation documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the original aortic dissection event and surgical repair records from service — the VA needs the operative report and in-service hospital records to establish the initial event.
⚠Not getting annual CT angiography or MRA to monitor the repair site — these imaging studies document ongoing residuals and any complications like endoleak or graft migration.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions from the dissection — aortic valve regurgitation, chronic pain at the surgical site, and medication side effects may each warrant separate ratings.
⚠Not reporting exercise limitations and activity restrictions — many post-dissection patients are told to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity, which directly impacts METs estimation.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Heart Conditions
DBQ Artery and Vein Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Thoracic Aortic Dissection Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7111

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have chronic congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less causing symptoms, or your ejection fraction is less than 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure documented
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Ongoing surveillance imaging of aortic repair
Severe exercise limitation documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the original aortic dissection event and surgical repair records from service — the VA needs the operative report and in-service hospital records to establish the initial event.

⚠Not getting annual CT angiography or MRA to monitor the repair site — these imaging studies document ongoing residuals and any complications like endoleak or graft migration.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions from the dissection — aortic valve regurgitation, chronic pain at the surgical site, and medication side effects may each warrant separate ratings.

⚠Not reporting exercise limitations and activity restrictions — many post-dissection patients are told to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity, which directly impacts METs estimation.