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If you served in Vietnam and are dealing with heart problems, your condition could be connected to Agent Orange exposure, and the VA might owe you disability compensation.
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is one of the most common health issues the VA links to Agent Orange.
If you served in certain locations during specific times, the VA presumes your heart disease is service-connected, making it easier for you to qualify for benefits.
Wondering if you qualify? Let’s break down what you need to know.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Ischemic heart disease is a presumptive condition for Agent Orange exposure, meaning you don’t have to prove the link if you served in a qualifying location and time period.
- VA disability ratings for IHD range from 10% to 100%, based on METs workload, cardiac hypertrophy/dilatation, or need for continuous medication.
- IHD can lead to secondary conditions like heart failure, arrhythmias, or depression, which may also qualify for additional VA disability benefits.
What is Ischemic Heart Disease?
Ischemic heart disease (IHD), also called coronary artery disease, is a condition where your heart doesn’t get enough oxygen due to narrowed or blocked arteries.
If you’ve been diagnosed with IHD, you might experience:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in your neck, shoulders, jaw, or arms
- Nausea
- Feeling faint
If any of that sounds familiar, and you were exposed to Agent Orange during your service, there’s a clear path to filing a VA claim. Because IHD is presumptive, you don’t have to jump through as many hoops to prove it’s related to your military service.
Related Post: VA Rating for Heart Disease
How are Ischemic Heart Disease and Agent Orange Connected?
Agent Orange can lead to ischemic heart disease because it contains dioxin, a toxic chemical that damages your blood vessels and causes internal inflammation.
Over time, that damage can make it harder for your heart to get the blood it needs, which can lead to heart disease.
The VA recognizes a connection between Agent Orange heart disease and service in places like Vietnam and the Korean DMZ.
So, if you:
- Served in Vietnam (Jan 9, 1962 – May 7, 1975), on certain Thailand bases (Jan 9, 1962 – Jun 30, 1976), or in the Korean DMZ (Sep 1, 1967 – Aug 31, 1971)
- Were exposed to Agent Orange
- And now have ischemic heart disease
…then the VA presumes your condition is service-connected.
No extra proof needed. You don’t have to show exactly how the exposure caused your heart disease; the VA assumes it did.
Related Post: What is Agent Orange?
How the VA Rates Ischemic Heart Disease
The VA rates ischemic heart disease under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart with a range from 10% to 100%.
- 100% VA Rating: Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms
- 60% VA Rating: Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms
- 30% VA Rating: 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% VA Rating: Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control
Related Post: What is the METs Test for VA Disability?
Average Disability Payment for Agent Orange-related Ischemic Heart Disease
Your monthly disability payment depends on your VA rating and whether you have dependents.
Here’s a look at the monthly disability payments for Agent Orange ischemic heart disease as of 2025 (for a single veteran with no dependents):
- 10% VA Rating: $175. 51/month
- 30% VA Rating: $537.42/month
- 60% VA Rating: $1,395.93/month
- 100% VA Rating: $3,831.30/month
If you have a spouse, children, or parents who depend on you, your monthly payment could be even higher.
Related Post: Who Qualifies as a VA Dependent?
How to File a Claim for Ischemic Heart Disease and Agent Orange Exposure
Filing a claim is more straightforward than you might think, especially with ischemic heart disease being a VA presumptive condition for Agent Orange exposure.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A current diagnosis of ischemic heart disease
- Proof that you served in a qualifying location and time frame
- VA Form 21-526EZ (this is the main form to file a disability claim)
If you already filed and got denied, don’t give up. You can submit new and relevant evidence or request a higher-level review. Many veterans have successful appeals, especially with updated medical records or a nexus letter.
Related Post: The Best Way to File a VA Disability Claim
Conclusion
Ischemic heart disease and Agent Orange are closely linked, and the VA’s presumptive policy makes it easier to get the disability benefits you rightfully deserve.
If you served in a qualifying location during a specific time frame, and now have IHD, understanding your VA rating, possible secondary conditions, and how to file a strong claim can help you secure the maximum compensation available.
Additional Agent Orange Guides
Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions
Military Bases That Stored Agent Orange
US Navy Ships Exposed to Agent Orange
Second Generation Agent Orange Symptoms
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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ischemic heart disease VA rating?
Ischemic heart disease VA ratings range from 10% to 100%, based on METs workload, cardiac hypertrophy/dilatation, or need for continuous medication. The VA uses medical tests, symptoms, and treatment needs to determine your rating under Diagnostic Code 7005.
What is Agent Orange heart disease?
Agent Orange heart disease refers to ischemic heart disease that develops after exposure to Agent Orange during military service. The VA recognizes it as a presumptive condition, meaning if you served in a qualifying location and time frame, your heart disease is automatically considered service-connected, making it easier to qualify for VA disability benefits.
What evidence is needed for an ischemic heart disease Agent Orange claim?
You’ll need a current medical diagnosis of ischemic heart disease, service records showing you served in a qualifying location and time frame, and any relevant treatment records.
Can ischemic heart disease cause other health problems or secondary conditions?
Yes. Ischemic heart disease can lead to several secondary conditions that may also qualify for VA disability benefits. If these issues are caused or worsened by your IHD, you can file for secondary service connection. Related: Top Conditions Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease
Is there a deadline to file an ischemic heart disease Agent Orange claim?
There’s no strict deadline, but filing as soon as possible ensures you start receiving benefits sooner. If you qualify under the VA’s presumptive list, you can file it at any time after your diagnosis.
Can I get TDIU for ischemic heart disease?
Yes. If your ischemic heart disease prevents you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment and if you meet the specific requirements, you may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), even if your VA rating is below 100%.
Author
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
