Heart Disease
38 CFR § 4.104 — Cardiovascular
Diagnostic Code
7000–7007
Why your DC matters: The DC 7000 series covers different types of heart disease — each with its own diagnostic criteria based on workload (METs), ejection fraction, and symptoms. The specific DC code determines exactly which tests and numbers drive your rating.
⚠️ Are You Potentially Under-Rated? Self-Check
If you are currently rated and any of these apply:
- ☐ Your rating is based on only one test without combining all available results
- ☐ Your condition has worsened since your last exam but you have not requested an increase
- ☐ You have multiple heart conditions that may each warrant a separate rating
- ☐ Your heart disease has caused other conditions not yet service-connected
- ☐ Your current symptoms suggest your condition is more severe than last documented
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Official VA Rating Criteria — DC 7000–7007
| Rating | VA Criteria (38 CFR § 4.104) | Key Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Documented coronary artery disease with chronic congestive heart failure; or LVEF less than 30%. | Cardiac catheterization, echocardiogram (EF%), stress test, treatment records |
| 60% | More than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in past year; or LVEF 30% or less; or workload greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs. | Stress test, echocardiogram, treatment records, hospitalization records |
| 30% | One episode of acute congestive heart failure in past year; or workload greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs; or LVEF 30-50%. | Stress test, echocardiogram, treatment records |
| 10% | Workload greater than 7 METs but not greater than 10 METs; or LVEF 50% or greater. | Stress test, echocardiogram, treatment records |
| 0% | With workload greater than 10 METs or LVEF greater than 50%. | Service connection established but symptoms do not meet compensable thresholds |
Source: 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7000–7007
Service Connection Paths
🎯 Direct Service Connection
Heart disease that began during or was caused/aggravated by an in-service event, injury, illness, or exposure (e.g., Agent Orange, burn pits, chemical exposures, physical training stress).
🔗 Secondary Service Connection
Heart disease caused or aggravated by an already service-connected condition. The most common secondary path is hypertension (DC 7101) damaging arteries over time, leading to ischemic heart disease. Sleep apnea, diabetes, and obesity are also common primaries.
Secondary Conditions to Pursue if You Have Service-Connected Heart Disease
These conditions are commonly caused or aggravated by Heart Disease. Each one is a potential additional rating. Listed by strength of medical link.
Hypertension
DC 7101StrongHeart disease and hypertension share major risk factors and can each cause or aggravate the other.
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
DC 7114StrongAtherosclerosis in the heart and periphery share the same underlying disease process.
Atrial Fibrillation / Arrhythmias
DC 7010StrongHeart disease damages the electrical system of the heart, frequently causing arrhythmias.
Cerebral Vascular Accident (Stroke)
DC 7309ModerateStroke shares major risk factors with heart disease.
Mental Health Conditions (Depression, Anxiety)
DC 9434 / 9400ModerateChronic heart disease and lifestyle limitations are well-documented drivers of depression and anxiety.
Kidney Disease
DC 7530ModerateReduced cardiac output and certain heart disease medications can damage kidney function over time.
TDIU
VariousDevelopingIf heart disease limits your ability to work even at a combined rating below 100%, TDIU may be available.
Already Service-Connected for These? Heart Disease May Qualify as a Secondary
If you have service connection for any of the following, Heart Disease may be claimable as a secondary condition.
Hypertension
DC 7101Sleep Apnea
DC 6847Diabetes
DC 7913Obesity
DC 8841PTSD / Anxiety
DC 9411 / 9400Environmental Exposures (burn pits, Agent Orange)
VariousSpecial Considerations
Multiple Heart Conditions May Stack
If you have both ischemic heart disease (DC 7005) and hypertensive heart disease (DC 7007), each may be rated separately if the medical evidence supports distinct findings.
SMC May Apply
If your heart disease causes a separate condition qualifying for Special Monthly Compensation, additional compensation may be available.
TDIU Potential with Heart Disease
Heart disease that limits physical exertion capacity may prevent substantially gainful employment even below 100% schedular.
Evidence Map — What Unlocks Each Rating
- • Stress test (ETT, imaging study, or cardiopulmonary stress test)
- • Medical records documenting heart disease and treatment
- • Documented functional limitation based on MET level
- • Everything above, plus:
- • Stress test showing MET level in 5-7 range
- • Medical records showing symptoms with moderate activity
- • Everything above, plus:
- • Stress test showing MET level in 2-4 range
- • Documented symptoms with minimal activity or at rest
- • Everything above, plus:
- • MET level 2 or less on stress test
- • OR chronic congestive heart failure requiring continuous medication
What Leads to Lower Ratings or Denials
- No stress test submitted or stress test not recent enough
- Veteran did not report symptoms during C&P exam
- Medical records do not clearly document functional limitations
- Secondary conditions (hypertension, stroke, kidney disease) not claimed separately
- No nexus opinion linking heart disease to service or service-connected condition
- Examiner did not consider all evidence including private treatment records
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7005 or related codes, compare your stress test results and functional limitations against the criteria above. If you believe your MET level or symptoms support a higher rating, consider:
- Requesting copies of all stress test results and cardiac imaging
- Documenting all cardiac symptoms and limitations in daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter linking heart disease to service or service-connected conditions
- Filing for secondary conditions (hypertension, diabetes, stroke, kidney disease)
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Source: 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7000–7007 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.