Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 7005
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Secondary to Aortic Aneurysm
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) when it develops after Aortic Aneurysm.
Primary condition · VASRD 7110
Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic aneurysm involves abnormal bulging in the wall of the aorta that can rupture or require surgical repair.
Secondary condition · VASRD 7005
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary artery disease is the narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, usually from plaque buildup, which can cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and fatigue with exertion. It's a PACT Act presumptive condition for many Vietnam-era veterans with qualifying Agent Orange exposure.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Aortic Aneurysm — severity of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) itself determines the percentage.
| 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. |
Example combined rating
100% Aortic Aneurysm + 30% Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) = 100%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 100% and 30% combine to 100%, not 130%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
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Evidence for a Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Secondary Claim
- •Cardiology reports, EKGs, and - most importantly - a documented METs test, since that's the specific measurement the rating schedule uses.
- •Echocardiogram or cardiac catheterization results confirming the diagnosis and severity of arterial narrowing.
- •Hospital or ER records documenting chest pain, angina episodes, or related cardiac events.
Common questions about Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) secondary to Aortic Aneurysm
- Can Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) be service-connected as secondary to Aortic Aneurysm?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. You'll need a current Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your service-connected Aortic Aneurysm — the same standard…
- What VA rating can I get for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) as a secondary condition?
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 7005 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 100%, 60%, 30%, 10%. The rating depends on the severity of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) itself, not on the severity of Aortic Aneurysm.
- How does a secondary Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 100% rating for Aortic Aneurysm combined with a 30% rating for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) (example figures) produces a combined rating of 100%, not 130%. Approving Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) as secondary still typic…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) as secondary to Aortic Aneurysm?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) diagnosis includes: Cardiology reports, EKGs, and - most importantly - a documented METs test, since that's the specific measurement the rating schedule uses.; Echocardiogram or cardiac catheterization results confirming the diagnosis and severity of art…
Primary condition
Full Aortic Aneurysm guide
Secondary condition
Full Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) guide
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See how Aortic Aneurysm and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) combine with the rest of your service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
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