Coronary Artery Disease VA Disability Rating

Arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease) is rated under Diagnostic Code 7005 in 38 CFR 4.104. Evaluations depend on workload measured in metabolic equivalents (METs) that produces symptoms, left ventricular ejection fraction, and findings such as cardiac hypertrophy or congestive heart failure. Ischemic heart disease is also on VA's Agent Orange presumptive list.

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Educational information only. StratForge is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and does not guarantee any rating, decision, or benefit.

Coronary Artery Disease rating percentages and criteria

Criteria are paraphrased from 38 CFR 4.104. Read the official text before relying on any summary.

100%

Documented chronic congestive heart failure; or a workload of 3 METs or less resulting in symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.

60%

More than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year; or a workload greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs producing symptoms; or ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent.

30%

Workload greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs producing symptoms; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation.

10%

Workload greater than 7 METs but not greater than 10 METs producing symptoms; or continuous medication required.

View official rating criteria

Common symptoms

Chest pain or pressure with exertion (angina)
Shortness of breath climbing stairs or walking uphill
Fatigue with ordinary activity
Dizziness or near-fainting
Palpitations

Evidence VA may consider

Exercise stress test or interview-based METs estimate
Echocardiogram showing ejection fraction and any hypertrophy
Cardiac catheterization, stent, or bypass surgery records
Hospital records for heart attack or congestive heart failure episodes
Medication list showing continuous cardiac medication
Service and exposure records if claiming an Agent Orange presumption

Not sure what is already in your file? Request and review your VA C-File or gather your medical records.

C&P exam information for coronary artery disease

Describe at what level of activity symptoms start — walking, stairs, yard work.
Bring recent echocardiogram and stress test results.
Report every cardiac medication and any hospitalizations in the past year.

More detail: How to prepare for a VA C&P exam.

Potential secondary conditions

Coronary artery disease secondary to diabetes mellitus type II
Coronary artery disease secondary to hypertension
Depression or anxiety secondary to a cardiac condition
Erectile dysfunction secondary to cardiac medication
Kidney impairment secondary to reduced cardiac output

Learn how these claims work on the VA secondary conditions guide.

Coronary Artery Disease VA claim FAQs

Is ischemic heart disease an Agent Orange presumptive condition?

Ischemic heart disease, which includes coronary artery disease, is on VA's list of conditions presumptively associated with herbicide exposure for veterans with qualifying service.

What are METs and why do they matter?

METs measure the workload your heart tolerates before symptoms appear. The DC 7005 rating criteria are written directly in METs levels, so stress testing or an interview-based METs estimate usually drives the evaluation.