VASRD 7005 · Cardiovascular System

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) VA Disability Rating

Narrowing of the heart’s blood vessels, causing chest pain or fatigue.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Severe heart disease with very low stamina
60%Significant heart trouble with low physical capacity
30%Some physical limitations
10%Mild symptoms during moderate activity

How the VA Evaluates Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Stress test, METs capacity, echocardiogram or cardiac catheterization.

Approval rate

High – especially for Vietnam-era vets due to presumptive status.

Annual service-connected

320,000 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Cardiology reports, EKGs, or stress test results
  • •VA or private cardiologist assessments
  • •Hospital records showing chest pain or angina

Strategy Tips

  • •Include METs and EKG results
  • •Mention if symptoms worsen with minor activity
  • •Link to any in-service exposure to herbicides

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Not submitting METs data
  • •Lack of diagnosis confirmation via imaging

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Not tying chest pain to prior events
  • •Submitting incomplete testing data

Onset Patterns

  • •Often develops years after service
  • •May show earlier in high-stress or chemically exposed roles

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Hypertension

    Often coexists and worsens CAD

  • Heart Failure

    Result of untreated or severe CAD

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is frequently claimed.

Air Force4H0X1Cardiopulmonary LaboratoryAir Force4U0X1Cardiovascular Perfusion

Common questions about Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) under VASRD diagnostic code 7005 (Cardiovascular System). Narrowing of the heart’s blood vessels, causing chest pain or fatigue.
What VA disability rating can I get for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
Possible VA ratings for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) are 100%, 60%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 100% — Severe heart disease with very low stamina; 60% — Significant heart trouble with low physical capacity; 30% — Some physical limitations.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
The average awarded rating for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is 30%. Roughly 320,000 veterans are service-connected for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) each year. Typical approval likelihood: High – especially for Vietnam-era vets due to presumptive status..
What evidence helps prove Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) claim includes: Cardiology reports, EKGs, or stress test results; VA or private cardiologist assessments; Hospital records showing chest pain or angina.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
Common pitfalls when filing for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Not tying chest pain to prior events; Submitting incomplete testing data.
Is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) a presumptive condition for VA benefits?
Yes — Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is recognized as a presumptive condition. Presumptive for Vietnam-era veterans.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) include: Hypertension, Heart Failure. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

Open the calculator