---
title: "DC 7016 - Heart valve replacement (prosthesis)"
diagnostic_code: "7016"
body_system: "Cardiovascular System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.104"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/cardiovascular/7016-heart-valve-replacement-prosthesis"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.104"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:44:45.350679Z"
---

# DC 7016 - Heart valve replacement (prosthesis)

Rated under § 4.104. Body system: Cardiovascular System.

General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | For an indefinite period following date of hospital admission for valve replacement |

## Notes

- Note: Six months following discharge from inpatient hospitalization, disability evaluation shall be conducted by mandatory VA examination using the General Rating Formula. Apply the provisions of § 3.105(e) of this chapter to any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination.

# Heart Valve Replacement (Prosthesis) — VA Diagnostic Code 7016

*Cardiovascular System · 38 CFR § 4.104*

## What This Rating Covers

Diagnostic Code 7016 applies to a **heart valve replacement with a prosthesis** — a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased heart valve is replaced with an artificial (prosthetic) valve. Because this condition affects the cardiovascular system, the VA evaluates it under the **General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart**.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **100%** | For an indefinite period following the date of hospital admission for valve replacement |

Under this code, a **100% disability rating** is assigned for an indefinite period beginning on the date of hospital admission for the valve replacement.

## What the VA Looks For

- **The date of hospital admission** for the valve replacement, which marks the start of the 100% evaluation period.
- **A mandatory VA examination** conducted **six months following discharge** from inpatient hospitalization. At that point, the disability is evaluated using the **General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart**.
- **Changes in evaluation:** Any change to the rating based on that examination — or any subsequent examination — is handled under the provisions of **§ 3.105(e)**.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule at 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7016. It is provided for general informational purposes and does not guarantee any specific rating or outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.104