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.

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 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.