Claiming Heart Failure?
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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%: Chronic CHF symptoms at rest or minimal exertion (≤3 METs) — or ejection fraction less than 30%. DC 7007.
- ›60%: Symptoms at 3–5 METs (light activity) — or ejection fraction 30–50%. DC 7007.
- ›30%: Symptoms at 5–7 METs (moderate activity such as brisk walking). DC 7007.
- ›10%: Continuous medication required — symptoms only with vigorous activity above 7 METs. DC 7007.
- ›0%: Below minimum rating threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 7007: Hypertensive heart disease / heart failure.
- ›Rated under the general heart disease formula — METs tolerance and ejection fraction drive the rating.
- ›Hospital records for decompensated CHF are strong evidence of 100% temporary total rating eligibility.
- ›Secondary service connection to hypertension, CAD, sleep apnea, or cardiomyopathy is well-recognized.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •DC 7007 — hypertensive heart disease / heart failure; rated using the general heart disease formula (METs and EF).
- •Secondary service connection: heart failure commonly develops secondary to hypertension, CAD, cardiomyopathy, or sleep apnea.
- •Ejection fraction from echocardiogram is the most important rating document — obtain if not already done.
- •Hospitalizations for decompensated heart failure are strong evidence of severity.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •in-service records of hypertension, cardiac findings, or CHF symptoms
- •records of service-connected conditions that led to heart failure (CAD, hypertension)
Medical Evidence
- •echocardiogram with ejection fraction and LV function
- •cardiology records confirming heart failure diagnosis and NYHA class
- •hospitalizations for decompensated heart failure or acute CHF
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •personal statement describing shortness of breath, leg swelling, and exertional limits
- •statement connecting service-connected conditions to heart failure development
Diagnostic Tests
- •echocardiogram (EF)
- •BNP/NT-proBNP
- •chest X-ray (pulmonary congestion)
- •stress test (METs)
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Cardiovascular / Heart Failure DBQ
Be ready to describe
- •ejection fraction from most recent echocardiogram
- •activity level that triggers shortness of breath, fatigue, or edema
- •hospitalizations for decompensated heart failure
Prep notes
- •Bring your most recent echocardiogram — EF is the primary rating driver.
- •Bring any hospital discharge summaries for CHF admissions.
- •Bring cardiology records showing NYHA class and current medications.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 7007
- Category
- Cardiovascular
- Subcategory
- Heart
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 100%
Also Known As
heart failurecongestive heart failureCHFheart failure with reduced ejection fractionHFrEFheart failure with preserved ejection fractionHFpEFsystolic dysfunctiondiastolic dysfunctiondecompensated heart failure
Related Conditions
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