Heart valve replacement (prosthesis)
The VA rates Heart valve replacement (prosthesis) under Diagnostic Code 7016 at a single 100% level. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 7016 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 100%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 1
- CFR section
- § 4.104
- Body system
- Cardiovascular System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Heart valve replacement (prosthesis)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | For an indefinite period following date of hospital admission for valve replacement |
“For an indefinite period following date of hospital admission for valve replacement”
Common Questions About Heart valve replacement (prosthesis) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Heart valve replacement (prosthesis)?
The VA rates Heart valve replacement (prosthesis) under Diagnostic Code 7016 at 100%. The minimum 100% rating requires: For an indefinite period following date of hospital admission for valve replacement. The maximum 100% rating requires: For an indefinite period following date of hospital admission for valve replacement.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Heart valve replacement (prosthesis)?
The VA rates Heart valve replacement (prosthesis) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7016, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
Can Heart valve replacement (prosthesis) qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Heart valve replacement (prosthesis) alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Heart valve replacement (prosthesis)?
The key evidence for Heart valve replacement (prosthesis) is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Heart valve replacement (prosthesis)?
The C&P examiner uses a Cardiovascular System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7016 rating criteria. Cardiac stress testing or METs estimation drives the rating. If you cannot exercise, the examiner estimates METs from interview. Be specific about what activities cause symptoms — stairs, walking distances, lifting limits.
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