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

RatingCriteria
100%Severe heart failure symptoms
60%Moderate heart failure
30%Limited stamina with physical activity
10%Minor fatigue with effort

How the VA Evaluates Valvular Heart Disease

Echocardiogram, METs testing, clinical history.

Approval rate

Moderate (~55%) with cardiac workup.

Annual service-connected

3,500 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Cardiology records
  • •Stress test results
  • •METs level documentation

Strategy Tips

  • •Track activity limitations
  • •Get updated echocardiogram

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Missing METs results
  • •Unclear diagnosis of valve type

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Missing repeat heart testing
  • •No symptom logs

Onset Patterns

  • •Often age-related or due to infection/rheumatic fever

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% — Severe heart failure symptoms; 60% — Moderate heart failure; 30% — Limited stamina with physical activity.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Valvular Heart Disease?
The average awarded rating for Valvular Heart Disease is 30%. Roughly 3,500 veterans are service-connected for Valvular Heart Disease each year. Typical approval likelihood: 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; Stress test results; METs level documentation.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Valvular Heart Disease?
Common pitfalls when filing for Valvular Heart Disease: Missing repeat heart testing; No symptom logs.
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.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Valvular Heart Disease combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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