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Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) VA Disability Rating
DC 7005 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.104 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.8
OVERVIEW
Coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic heart disease are rated under DC 7005 based on metabolic equivalent (MET) testing or ejection fraction. Ischemic heart disease is presumptive for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange under 38 C.F.R. 3.309(e). Ratings are based on exercise tolerance measured in METs and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). If the veteran cannot perform exercise testing, the examiner estimates METs based on interview.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
100% -- Chronic congestive heart failure, or workload of 3 METs or less, or LVEF less than 30%
Documented chronic congestive heart failure, or severely limited exercise capacity.
60% -- More than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year, or workload of 3-5 METs, or LVEF of 30-50%
Significant cardiac limitation with documented episodes or reduced ejection fraction.
30% -- Workload of 5-7 METs with dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or cardiac hypertrophy/dilatation on testing
Moderate limitation. Cannot sustain moderate physical activity.
10% -- Workload of 7-10 METs with dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, or continuous medication required
Mild limitation requiring ongoing medication.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Cardiac catheterization or coronary angiography showing arterial blockage
-Echocardiogram showing ejection fraction
-Exercise stress test with MET level documentation
-Documentation of Agent Orange exposure (Vietnam, Thailand, specific test/storage sites)
-Cardiology treatment records showing stents, bypass surgery, or medication regimen
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (3 MAPPED)
DC 9434/9413
Heart disease diagnosis and physical limitations cause significant psychological impact.
DC 7522
Cardiovascular disease and cardiac medications commonly cause ED.
DC 7114
Systemic atherosclerosis affecting both coronary and peripheral arteries.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.If you served in Vietnam and were exposed to Agent Orange, ischemic heart disease is PRESUMPTIVE. No nexus letter needed.
2.The MET level drives the rating. Report your WORST functional capacity, not your best day.
3.If you cannot perform exercise testing, tell the examiner what activities cause symptoms: climbing stairs, walking a block, carrying groceries.
4.Bring your most recent echocardiogram results showing ejection fraction.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. 3.309(e)
Ischemic heart disease is presumptive for veterans with herbicide agent exposure, including Agent Orange.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Heart disease at 60% pays $1,432.71/mo. At 100%, $3,938.58/mo. Agent Orange-presumptive heart disease at 60%+ with dependents often exceeds $2,000/mo.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026