Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease),
Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease), is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7000, from 10% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires: Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms. Most claims establish the 10% or 30% rating before reaching the top tier.
What are the VA rating criteria for Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease),?
Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control
Note: METs = Metabolic Equivalents. Exercise tolerance testing documents functional capacity. Includes aortic stenosis/regurgitation, mitral stenosis/regurgitation, tricuspid disease.
Workload of 5.1-7.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalent (e.g., multigated acquisition scan or magnetic resonance imaging)
Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms
Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms
“Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms”
Common Questions About Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease), VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease),?
The VA rates Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease), under Diagnostic Code 7000 at 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control. The maximum 100% rating requires: Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease),?
The VA rates Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease), under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7000, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104. 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 Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease),?
A 10% rating requires: Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control. A 100% rating requires: Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease), qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart 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 Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease),?
Service connection for Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart 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.
What is the C&P exam like for Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease),?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart 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.
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