CardiovascularDC 7005

Coronary Artery Disease / Ischemic Heart Disease

Ischemic heart disease is rated under 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7005, using METs (metabolic equivalents of task) from an exercise stress test or cardiac evaluation. It is a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange.

VA Rating Levels

10%

Workload of greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, or angina, or; left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 50–55%.

30%

Workload of 3–5 METs causes symptoms, or; EF of 30–50%.

60%

METs of 1–3 cause symptoms, or; left ventricular dysfunction with EF of 10–29%.

100%

Chronic congestive heart failure with severely reduced ejection fraction, or workload of less than 1 MET causing symptoms, or; EF less than 10%.

Exam Tips & Key Evidence

→Agent Orange exposure is a presumptive — no service nexus letter needed if you served in eligible areas
→Ejection fraction from echocardiogram is critical evidence
→After a bypass, stent, or heart attack, get a new C&P exam — rating can increase
→IHD is also connected to hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnea as secondary conditions

Commonly Related Conditions

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)Diabetes (Type 2)Sleep Apnea

38 CFR Reference

38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7005