Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease), — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7000)

The VA rates Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease), under Diagnostic Code 7000 at the following tiers: 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.

Diagnostic Code 7000 is the VA rating identifier for Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease), within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104. 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 Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease), under DC 7000 is 100%. This tier requires: Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart 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.

Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease), is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7000. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease), may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

The key evidence for Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease), depends on the body system. For cardiovascular conditions, exercise stress test results or estimated METs drive the rating. Document specific activity limitations — stairs, walking distances, lifting capacities. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional is essential for contested claims.

Yes — a 100% rating for Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease), alone meets the single-disability TDIU threshold under 38 CFR § 4.16(a). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, compensation is paid at the 100% rate.