VA Diagnostic Code 7005Arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery 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: If non-service-connected arteriosclerotic heart disease is superimposed on service-connected valvular or other non-arteriosclerotic heart disease, request a medical opinion as to which condition is causing the current signs and symptoms.
Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)
VA Diagnostic Code 7005 · 38 CFR § 4.104 · Cardiovascular System
Understanding the Condition
Arteriosclerotic heart disease—commonly known as coronary artery disease—is a cardiovascular condition rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 7005. The VA evaluates it using the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart.
A central measurement in this formula is the MET (metabolic equivalent), which reflects how much physical exertion your body can handle before heart-related symptoms appear. Generally, a lower MET level at which symptoms occur corresponds to a higher disability rating.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns one of the following ratings based on your documented symptoms and test results:
| 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 magnetic resonance imaging). |
| 10% | A workload of 7.1–10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication is required for control. |
What the VA Looks For
When rating coronary artery disease under this code, the VA reviews:
- The MET level at which heart failure symptoms appear — the workload your body can sustain before symptoms occur is a primary factor across all rating levels.
- Diagnostic imaging findings — evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or an equivalent test (such as a multigated acquisition scan or MRI) can support a 30% rating.
- Whether continuous medication is required to control the condition, which is relevant at the 10% level.
Important Note
If non-service-connected arteriosclerotic heart disease is superimposed on service-connected valvular or other non-arteriosclerotic heart disease, a medical opinion should be requested to determine which condition is causing the current signs and symptoms.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7005. Individual ratings depend on the specific medical evidence in your case.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.104, diagnostic code 7005. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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