EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Congestive Heart Failure
✓ VERIFIED AGAINST 38 C.F.R.§ 4.104 (Cardiovascular system) · reviewed 2026-05-15 · ClaimRecon Editorial Team
Congestive Heart Failure is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7019 of 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7019 across 4 severity tiers (10% / 30% / 60% / 100%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Chronic Kidney Disease or Sleep Apnea under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.
OVERVIEW
The heart is unable to pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs, causing fluid buildup
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
10%
Workload of greater than 7 METs but not greater than 10 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or continuous medication required.
30%
Workload of greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation on EKG, echocardiogram, or X-ray.
60%
More than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year; or workload of greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or left ventricular dysfunction with ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent.
100%
Chronic congestive heart failure; or workload of 3 METs or less results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or left ventricular dysfunction with ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records
-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records
-Buddy/lay statements
-Prescription history
-Employment impact documentation
-Any relevant diagnostic testing
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (4 MAPPED)
DC
Cardiorenal syndrome from reduced kidney perfusion
DC
Fluid shifts and respiratory changes
DC
Metabolic changes cause muscle wasting
DC
Chronic illness burden and functional decline
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.
2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.
3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.
4.Mention all medications and their side effects.
5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.
SECONDARY CONDITIONS
MORE IN CARDIOVASCULAR
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.104 (Cardiovascular system). Source verified 2026-05-15 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team during a regulation-text comparison against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026