VASRD 7000 · Cardiovascular System
Valvular Heart Disease VA Disability Rating
Damage to one or more of the heart valves, leading to poor circulation, fatigue, and chest pain.
VA Rating Tiers
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Heart failure symptoms appear at the lowest workload the schedule measures — 3.0 METs or less. |
| 60% | Heart failure symptoms appear at a workload between 3.1 and 5.0 METs. |
| 30% | Heart failure symptoms appear at a workload between 5.1 and 7.0 METs, or imaging confirms the heart is thickened or enlarged — either one on its own is enough. |
| 10% | Heart failure symptoms appear at a workload between 7.1 and 10.0 METs, or continuous medication is required to control it — either one on its own is enough. |
How the VA Evaluates Valvular Heart Disease
The rating is based on METs testing, echocardiogram findings, and clinical history of heart failure episodes, following the same general cardiac framework used for other valve and vessel conditions.
Approval outlook
Moderate (~55%) with cardiac workup.
Veterans service-connected
~3,500 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~30%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •Cardiology records documenting the specific valve affected and its severity.
- •Stress test results establishing your METs capacity.
- •Documentation of your specific METs level from testing.
Strategy Tips
- •Track activity limitations specifically, since exertional symptoms are what the METs-based rating schedule is built around.
- •Get an updated echocardiogram, since valve function can change over time and a current study best reflects your present condition.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Missing METs results, which leaves the exam without the specific measurement this rating depends on.
- •An unclear diagnosis of which valve is affected and how severely.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Missing repeat heart testing over time, since a single test may not reflect the condition's typical severity.
- •No symptom logs to give context to the clinical testing.
Onset Patterns
- •Valvular heart disease is often age-related, but can also result from an infection or rheumatic fever affecting the heart valves during or after service.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Valvular Heart Disease. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Atrial Fibrillation
Electrical instability from valve issues
Stroke
Due to clot formation
Common questions about Valvular Heart Disease
- Is Valvular Heart Disease a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Valvular Heart Disease under VASRD diagnostic code 7000 (Cardiovascular System). Damage to one or more of the heart valves, leading to poor circulation, fatigue, and chest pain.
- What VA disability rating can I get for Valvular Heart Disease?
- Possible VA ratings for Valvular Heart Disease are 100%, 60%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 100%: Heart failure symptoms appear at the lowest workload the schedule measures — 3.0 METs or less.; 60%: Heart failure symptoms appear at a workload between 3.1 and 5.0 METs.; 30%: Heart failure symptoms appear at a workload between 5.…
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Valvular Heart Disease?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Valvular Heart Disease at around 30%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 3,500 veterans are service-connected for Valvular Heart Disease. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate (~55%) with cardiac workup.
- What evidence helps prove Valvular Heart Disease for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Valvular Heart Disease claim includes: Cardiology records documenting the specific valve affected and its severity.; Stress test results establishing your METs capacity.; Documentation of your specific METs level from testing..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Valvular Heart Disease?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Valvular Heart Disease: Missing repeat heart testing over time, since a single test may not reflect the condition's typical severity.; No symptom logs to give context to the clinical testing..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Valvular Heart Disease?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Valvular Heart Disease include: Atrial Fibrillation, Stroke. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.104 — Schedule of ratings — cardiovascular system (Diagnostic Code 7000)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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