EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
← All Condition GuidesCLAIM RECON INTEL
Coronary Artery Disease VA Disability Rating
DC 7005 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.104 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2
OVERVIEW
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is rated under Diagnostic Code 7005 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.104 based on metabolic equivalents (METs) testing and other cardiac function indicators. CAD can be directly service-connected from Agent Orange exposure (presumptive for Vietnam veterans) or secondary to conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and PTSD. This is one of the highest-value ratings in the VA system.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
100% — Chronic congestive heart failure
Chronic congestive heart failure, OR METs of 3 or less with dyspnea, fatigue, angina, or dizziness, OR left ventricular dysfunction with ejection fraction less than 30%.
60% — More than one episode of CHF in past year
More than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year, OR METs greater than 3 but not greater than 5 with dyspnea, fatigue, angina, or dizziness, OR left ventricular dysfunction with ejection fraction of 30-50%.
30% — METs greater than 5 but not greater than 7
METs greater than 5 but not greater than 7 with dyspnea, fatigue, angina, or dizziness, OR evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation on diagnostic testing.
10% — METs greater than 7 but not greater than 10
METs greater than 7 but not greater than 10 with dyspnea, fatigue, angina, or dizziness, OR continuous medication required.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Cardiac catheterization or angiography showing coronary artery blockage
-Echocardiogram with ejection fraction measurement
-Exercise stress test or estimated METs level
-Agent Orange exposure documentation (for Vietnam veterans — presumptive connection)
-Medical records linking CAD to hypertension, diabetes, or PTSD
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (3 MAPPED)
Depression / AnxietySTRONG
DC 9434/9413
Cardiac disease is a well-established cause of secondary depression and anxiety.
Erectile Dysfunction + SMC-KSTRONG
DC 7522
Cardiac medications (beta blockers, statazins) commonly cause ED.
Peripheral Vascular DiseaseSTRONG
DC 7114
Atherosclerosis causing CAD often also affects peripheral vasculature.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.The METs test is the key — if you cannot perform a treadmill test, the VA should estimate METs based on your interview.
2.Report ALL cardiac symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath with exertion, fatigue, dizziness, ankle swelling.
3.Describe functional impact: unable to climb stairs, walk more than X distance, carry groceries.
4.If you are a Vietnam veteran, Agent Orange presumptive means CAD is automatically service-connected with no nexus letter needed.
DOLLAR IMPACT
CAD at 60% ($1,432/mo) is one of the highest single-condition ratings. At 100% ($3,938/mo) for CHF. Agent Orange presumptive eliminates proof burden for Vietnam-era veterans. Combined with secondary conditions, this can be the pathway to 100% P&T.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026