Claiming Coronary Artery Disease / Ischemic Heart Disease?
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VA Rating Tiers
100%
mets minimal
100%
ef low
60%
mets light
60%
ef mid
30%
mets moderate
10%
mets vigorous or meds
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›100%: Symptoms at 3 METs or less — or chronic CHF — or ejection fraction less than 30%. DC 7005.
- ›60%: Symptoms at 3–5 METs (light activity) — or ejection fraction 30–50%. DC 7005.
- ›30%: Symptoms at 5–7 METs (moderate activity) — or EF above 50% with documented LV dysfunction. DC 7005.
- ›10%: Symptoms only with vigorous activity above 7 METs — or continuous medication required. DC 7005.
- ›0%: Below minimum rating threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 7005: Arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease).
- ›IHD is a presumptive condition for Agent Orange-exposed veterans — no nexus letter needed.
- ›Stress test METs result and echocardiogram EF are the most important documents to bring.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •DC 7005 — rated using the general heart disease formula based on METs tolerance or ejection fraction.
- •Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange.
- •Secondary service connection: IHD can develop secondary to hypertension, PTSD, or sleep apnea — a nexus letter strengthens the claim.
- •Document METs from stress test or ejection fraction from echocardiogram — these drive the rating.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •in-service cardiac symptoms, stress, or cardiovascular risk factor documentation
- •separation physical with cardiac findings or elevated cholesterol
Medical Evidence
- •cardiology records confirming CAD or IHD diagnosis
- •stress test showing METs tolerance and symptoms
- •echocardiogram with ejection fraction
- •cardiac catheterization or imaging reports
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •personal statement describing chest pain, exertional symptoms, and functional limits
- •statement connecting service stress, Agent Orange exposure, or related conditions to heart disease
Diagnostic Tests
- •exercise stress test (METs)
- •echocardiogram (EF)
- •coronary angiography
- •EKG
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Cardiovascular / Ischemic Heart Disease DBQ
Be ready to describe
- •activity level that triggers symptoms (chest pain, dyspnea, fatigue)
- •ejection fraction if known from echo
- •any heart attacks, stents, or bypass surgeries
Prep notes
- •Bring stress test results and echocardiogram — METs and EF drive the rating.
- •Bring cardiology records and operative reports for any stent or bypass.
- •If secondary to Agent Orange, PTSD, hypertension, or sleep apnea — mention it explicitly.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 7005
- Category
- Cardiovascular
- Subcategory
- Heart
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 100%
Also Known As
coronary artery diseaseCADischemic heart diseasearteriosclerotic heart diseaseanginaheart attackmyocardial infarctionASHD
Related Conditions
Secondary to
Commonly leads to
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