Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)
Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7005, Diagnostic Code 7005, from 10% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires: Chronic congestive heart failure, or; workload of 3 METs or less results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or; left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.. Most claims establish the 10% or 30% rating before reaching the top tier.
Rating schedule — DC 7005 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7005
- Body system
- Cardiovascular System
- Secondary conditions
- 4
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
10%, 30%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)?
Workload of greater than 7 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or; continuous medication required.
Note: CAD/IHD is rated based on metabolic equivalent (MET) testing during stress testing (exercise or pharmacological). METs represent the energy cost of physical activities. Higher METs tolerated = less impairment. Continuous medication qualifies for a 10% minimum rating.
Workload of greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or; cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation on electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, or X-ray.
More than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year, or; workload of greater than 1 MET but not greater than 3 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or; left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent.
Chronic congestive heart failure, or; workload of 3 METs or less results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or; left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.
Note: A 100% rating for CAD requires either chronic CHF, extreme exertional limitation (3 METs or less), or severely depressed ejection fraction (<30%). Veterans at 100% for IHD are entitled to a minimum 6-month evaluation before any rating reduction.
“More than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year, or; workload of greater than 1 MET but not greater than 3 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or; left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent.”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)?
View 4 secondary conditions linked to Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)?
The VA rates Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) under Diagnostic Code 7005 at 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Workload of greater than 7 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or; continuous medication required.. The maximum 100% rating requires: Chronic congestive heart failure, or; workload of 3 METs or less results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or; left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent..
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)?
The VA rates Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7005, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7005. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 100% rating for Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)?
A 10% rating requires: Workload of greater than 7 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or; continuous medication required.. A 100% rating requires: Chronic congestive heart failure, or; workload of 3 METs or less results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; or; left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)?
Service connection for Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)?
Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) is associated with 4 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What is the C&P exam like for Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.
Get a Personalized Rating Analysis
VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.
Discover Your Benefits