Arteriosclerotic heart disease
Arteriosclerotic heart disease is a VA-ratable condition under diagnostic code 7005 in the Heart category. Maximum rating: 100%.
Cardiovascular Rating Table
Metabolic Equivalents (METs) Rating Criteria
Source: 38 CFR § 4.100-4.104 - Schedule of Cardiovascular Ratings
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Chronic CHF; OR workload ≤3 METs resulting in symptoms; OR LVEF <30% |
| 60% | More than one episode of acute CHF in past year; OR workload 3-5 METs resulting in symptoms; OR LVEF 30-50% |
| 30% | Workload 5-7 METs resulting in symptoms; OR evidence of cardiac hypertrophy/dilatation on ECG/echo |
| 10% | Workload >7 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; OR continuous medication required |
Important Notes
METs (Metabolic Equivalents) measure exercise capacity. 1 MET = sitting quietly. 3 METs = slow walking (2.5 mph). 5 METs = climbing one flight of stairs. 7 METs = light jogging. 100% rating = symptomatic with minimal exertion. LVEF = Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (heart pumping efficiency).
Filing Tips
Pro Tip: The VA won't connect the dots for you. That's your job. Build the paper trail before you file.
Gather medical evidence showing a current diagnosis of this condition.
Document in-service events, injuries, or exposures that caused or aggravated this condition.
Consider a nexus letter from a medical professional linking your condition to service.
Review the rating criteria for DC 7005 to understand what symptoms warrant higher ratings.