VA Diagnostic Code 7004Syphilitic heart disease
Rated from 10% to 100% under § 4.104. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 100%
Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms
- 60%
Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms
- 30%
Workload of 5.1-7.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalent (e.g., multigated acquisition scan or magnetic resonance imaging)
- 10%
Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control
General rating formula
General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note: Evaluate syphilitic aortic aneurysms under DC 7110 (Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, abdominal).
Syphilitic Heart Disease (VA Diagnostic Code 7004)
Cardiovascular System · 38 CFR § 4.104
What This Condition Is
Syphilitic heart disease is a cardiovascular condition rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 7004. Like other heart conditions in this part of the rating schedule, it is evaluated using the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart.
This means the VA assigns a disability rating based largely on how your heart functions during physical activity — measured in METs (metabolic equivalents) — along with certain clinical findings and treatment needs.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns one of the following rating percentages based on documented findings:
| Rating | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| 100% | A workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms |
| 60% | A workload of 3.1–5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms |
| 30% | A workload of 5.1–7.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalent (e.g., multigated acquisition scan or MRI) |
| 10% | A workload of 7.1–10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control |
What the VA Looks For
When rating syphilitic heart disease, the VA reviews:
- METs workload testing — the level of physical exertion at which heart failure symptoms appear. Lower MET tolerance generally corresponds to a higher rating.
- Diagnostic imaging — evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or an equivalent study, such as a multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Treatment requirements — whether continuous medication is required to control the condition.
Important Note
- Syphilitic aortic aneurysms are evaluated separately under Diagnostic Code 7110 (Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, abdominal).
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.104. It describes the criteria the VA uses and does not guarantee any specific rating or outcome.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.104, diagnostic code 7004. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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