Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7005)

The VA rates Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) under Diagnostic Code 7005 at the following tiers: 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..

Diagnostic Code 7005 is the VA rating identifier for Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7005. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) under DC 7005 is 100%. This tier 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.. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7005, Diagnostic Code 7005. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Conditions commonly secondary to Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) include: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Cardiac), Erectile Dysfunction (Vascular/Cardiac), Major Depression / Anxiety Disorder (Cardiac), Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Medical nexus evidence linking the primary and secondary condition is required.

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 that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.