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If you’re a veteran dealing with arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis due to your military service, you may qualify for a VA disability rating and compensation.
These conditions can lead to serious heart conditions, strokes, or mobility limitations—and the VA does compensate veterans when service connection is proven.
In this guide, we’ll break down how the VA rates arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis, and what you need to know to strengthen your VA claim.
Summary of Key Points
- Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are ratable VA disabilities when linked to military service.
- The VA rates both conditions using the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart (under DC 7005), based on METs, symptoms, and treatment needs. Ratings can be 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%.
- To qualify, veterans must establish service connection through direct, secondary, or presumptive evidence.
- Secondary conditions like hypertension, stroke, kidney disease, or peripheral artery disease may increase a veteran’s combined VA disability rating if they meet the criteria to be considered compensable.
Table of Contents
What is Arteriosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis is the broad term for arteries stiffening, thickening, and losing flexibility. According to the Mayo Clinic, arteriosclerosis refers to the thickening and hardening of the arteries. While healthy arteries are flexible, they can harden over time.
What is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a specific form of arteriosclerosis in which fatty plaque builds up on the walls of arteries, slowing or blocking blood flow. Though often considered a heart condition, it can present anywhere in the body.
When atherosclerosis develops in the coronary arteries, it is referred to as coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is the most common and serious form of atherosclerosis because it directly affects blood flow to the heart muscle, increasing the risk of angina, heart attack, and other cardiovascular complications. CAD is also a VA-ratable condition.
Symptoms
The symptoms of atherosclerosis depend on the part of your body where the arteries are affected and can include:
- chest pain or pressure (angina)
- numbness in extremities
- slurred speech
- vision loss
- facial drooping
- high or low blood pressure
- leg pain
- kidney failure
Arteriosclerosis and Atherosclerosis VA Ratings
According to the Code of Federal Regulations, arteriosclerosis is rated using the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart under diagnostic code 7005. This means the VA uses a metabolic equivalent, or MET, score to determine a rating of 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%, as shown in the table below.
Arteriosclerosis and Atherosclerosis VA Rating Chart
| GENERAL RATING FORMULA FOR DISEASES OF THE HEART | |
| Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms | 100% |
| Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms | 60% |
| 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) | 30% |
| Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control | 10% |
Getting a VA Disability Rating for Atherosclerosis and Arteriosclerosis
To receive a VA rating, you must prove that your condition is service-connected.
This includes getting a current diagnosis that should be documented by objective testing; showing evidence of an in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness; and a medical nexus (link) between the current diagnosis and the in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness.
Two Main Types of Service Connection
- Direct Service Connection: You can prove a current diagnosis of your condition, an in-service illness or event, and a medical nexus linking your current diagnosis to your military service.
- Secondary Service Connection: A condition caused or worsened by a primary service-connected condition.
How to File a VA Claim
To qualify for an arteriosclerosis VA rating, you must file a VA claim using VA Form 21-526EZ.
You can file a VA claim either online (generally the most efficient method), by mail or fax, or in person at a VA regional office
Pro Tip: Strong, detailed documentation may speed up your VA claim with the use of Fully Developed Claims program and boost your chances for a fair rating.
Related Post: How to File a VA Claim Online
Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exam
If you’re filing a VA claim related to a heart condition, you might get scheduled for a C&P exam. This exam’s purpose is to confirm a current diagnosis, establish a service connection, and evaluate the severity of your symptoms.
Before beginning the exam process, you’ll want to gather all your relevant medical records, keep a running log of symptoms and their functional impact on your life, and review the Heart Conditions DBQ.
During the exam itself, the examiner will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, assess the impact on daily life, perform a physical examination, and conduct diagnostic tests.
Related: VA C&P Exam for Heart Conditions
Secondary Conditions to Atherosclerosis and Arteriosclerosis
Veterans with atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis may also develop other serious conditions that can be claimed as secondary disabilities. Common examples include:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) – hardened or narrowed arteries force the heart to work harder.
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction) – blocked blood flow can damage heart muscle.
- Stroke – reduced blood flow in the brain may cause lasting neurological impairment.
- Kidney disease – damaged arteries can reduce kidney function over time.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) – atherosclerosis in the legs can cause pain, weakness, or limited mobility.
Did you know? Secondary conditions can significantly raise your combined VA disability rating, especially when supported by medical evidence and a nexus letter linking them to your current primary diagnosis.
Conclusion
Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are conditions that prevent proper blood flow in your arteries and are ratable VA disabilities when linked to military service. Secondary conditions such as hypertension, stroke, kidney disease, or peripheral artery disease may increase a veteran’s combined VA disability rating if the criteria to be considered compensable have been met. To qualify, veterans must establish service connection (through direct, secondary, or presumptive evidence).
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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Is arteriosclerosis a VA disability?
Yes. The VA recognizes arteriosclerosis as a service-connected disability if it was caused or aggravated by your time in service. Arteriosclerosis VA ratings can be 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%.
Is atherosclerosis a VA disability?
Yes. The VA recognizes atherosclerosis as a service-connected disability if it was caused or aggravated by your time in service. Atherosclerosis VA ratings are 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%, based on the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart using your MET score.
What’s the difference between atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis are often used interchangeably; however, they are distinct conditions. Arteriosclerosis refers to the general condition of thickening of the arteries; atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis that refers to the buildup of plaque (comprising fats, cholesterol, and other substances) in the arteries, which blocks the blood flow through them.
Can you get a higher VA rating for atherosclerosis if you take heart medication?
Yes. Continuous medication for heart conditions can qualify veterans for at least a 10% VA rating under DC 7005. Higher ratings require more severe symptoms or lower METs scores.
Does the VA use METs to rate atherosclerosis?
Yes. The VA rates arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis based on METs (metabolic equivalents), which measure the amount of physical activity that triggers heart failure symptoms. Lower METs = higher ratings.
Can atherosclerosis be rated secondary to another VA condition?
Yes. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease may lead to—or worsen—atherosclerosis. A strong nexus letter can support secondary VA service connection.
Is arteriosclerosis a VA presumptive condition?
Yes. Arteriosclerosis is listed as a chronic disease under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(a), meaning it can be granted presumptive service connection if it appears to a compensable level (10% or more) within one year of leaving active duty. If it develops later, you’ll need to prove direct or secondary service connection.
About the Author
Katie McCarthy
Katie McCarthy is a writer and editor with experience in daily news and digital and print magazine publishing. She honed her editorial (and firearms) skills at Guns & Ammo before helping launch Black Rifle Coffee Company’s Coffee or Die Magazine as the managing editor. She holds degrees in English (BA) and public administration (MPA). Katie is a military spouse and word nerd who enjoys reading, hiking, camping, gardening, and spending time with her family.
