DC 7113: A traumatic arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal passageway between an artery and a vein. They are most often caused by penetrating wounds that affected nearby arteries or veins, thus causing the body to create a false passageway to continue blood flow. They can cause the heart to have to work harder to provide the necessary blood to all regions of the body, thus leading to various heart conditions. It can also cause loss of blood flow to the limbs resulting in pain, infection, swelling, skin changes, or amputation.

Ratings

• If the condition causes heart failure, then it is rated 100%.
• If the heart has not failed, but is enlarged with a rapid pulse and a wide pulse pressure, then it is rated 60%.
• If the heart is not affected, but there is constant swelling, stasis dermatitis, and either tears in the skin or a cellulitis infection in a leg, then it is rated 50%.
• If the same symptoms are in an arm, it is rated 40%.
• If there is only constant swelling or stasis dermatitis in a leg, then it is rated 30%.
• If the same symptoms are in an arm, it is rated 20%.