Unspecified injury of left vertebral artery, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect resulting from an unspecified injury to the left vertebral artery. It indicates that the initial traumatic event has resolved, but residual issues or conditions related to the original injury persist.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a sequela (e.g., chronic dissection, pseudoaneurysm, stenosis, or neurological deficits) stemming from a past, unspecified injury to the left vertebral artery. The patient is no longer in the acute phase of the injury. Documentation should specify the left side and the sequela nature of the condition.

• Always sequence the sequela code first, followed by a code describing the specific residual condition (e.g., cerebral infarction, chronic pain).
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "sequela," "late effect," or describes a chronic condition directly resulting from a past injury.
• Distinguish from acute injuries (S15.102A, D) which are used for initial encounters or subsequent encounters for active treatment.