Heart conditions, including heart disease, are prevalent in veterans, especially if exposed to Agent Orange or other irritants.
The VA uses METs testing to determine VA disability for heart conditions, and your VA rating depends on your symptoms at various exertion levels.
Each level of exercise is assigned a range of METs (or metabolic equivalents), with a higher level of exertion resulting in a high METs number.
This guide details the 6 most commonly-rated veteran heart conditions and explains how to get service connected to receive the VA benefits and compensation you deserve!
- VA Disability for Heart Conditions: The 6 Most Common
- VA Disability Rating for Heart Arrhythmia
- Ischemic Heart Disease VA Rating
- VA Disability Rating for Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB)
- VA Disability Rating for Heart Murmur
- VA Rating for Heart Disease
- VA Disability Rating for Arteriosclerosis
- How to Service Connect Your Heart Condition
- VA C&P Exam for Heart Conditions
- NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?
VA Disability for Heart Conditions: The 6 Most Common
When it comes to VA disabilities for heart conditions, the 6 most common veteran heart conditions include:
- Heart Arrhythmia
- Ischemic Heart Disease (also known as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD))
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB)
- Heart Murmur
- Heart Disease
- Arteriosclerosis
VA Disability Rating for Heart Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia, or an abnormal heart rate, refers to a heart beating with an abnormal heart rhythm, which can be either too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia).
Occasionally, arrhythmia isn’t a sign of an emergency, while other times, it means you may have a severe underlying condition. So, it’s crucial to alert your doctor of any changes in your health.
Underlying Causes of an Arrhythmia
- Heart disease
- An imbalance of electrolytes in the blood
- The heart muscle experiences changes
- Injury sustained by a heart attack
- The heart-healing after surgery
Heart Arrhythmia Symptoms
An arrhythmia doesn’t always have symptoms and is typically detected during a routine doctor’s visit. However, if you have symptoms, you may experience the following:
- Fainting
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue
- Pounding in the chest
- Chest pain or tightness
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
VA Rating Chart for Heart Arrhythmia
The VA rating for heart arrhythmia can be found under DCs 7009, 7010 and 7011. In addition, it can be rated under the general rating for heart diseases, depending on your specific symptoms.
| Description | VA Rating |
| There is continuous congestive heart failure, OR Your condition scores 3 METs or less on the MET test while causing shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and dizziness, OR The left ventricle is found to be pushing out less than 30% of the blood it is meant to with each beat | 100% |
| You’ve experienced at least two episodes of congestive heart failure in the past year, ORYour condition scores 4 or 5 METs on the MET test while causing shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and dizziness, ORLeft ventricular dysfunction is causing an ejection rate between 30-50% | 60% |
| Your condition scores 6 or 7 METs on the MET test while causing shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and dizziness, ORThere is evidence of hypertrophy (thickening of the heart muscle) or dilation (an expanding of the heart) | 30% |
| Your condition scores 8, 9, or 10 METs on the MET test while causing shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and dizziness, ORYou have the need for continuous medication | 10% |
Ischemic Heart Disease VA Rating
Ischemic heart disease, also known as Coronary Artery Disease, occurs when the heart doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen, narrowing the coronary muscles that supply blood to the heart muscle. If your blood flow is blocked, the heart muscles die, resulting in a heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI).
Risk Factors of Ischemic Heart Disease
- Overweight
- Lack of physical activity
- Tobacco use
- Family history of heart disease
Symptoms of Ischemic Heart Disease
- Indigestion
- Sweating
- Difficulty breathing
- Discomfort or pain in the upper body, like the neck, back, or arms
Conditions Secondary to Ischemic Heart Disease
- Sleep Apnea
- Heart Failure
- Arrhythmias
- Cardiomyopathies
- Valvular Heart Disease
Regarding #2-5 of the conditions secondary to IHD: While these heart conditions can be filed secondary to IHD, the VA won’t assign separate ratings. If the VA grants service connection for both conditions, they will only assign whichever condition has the higher rating.
C&P Exam for Ischemic Heart Disease
A C&P exam for Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), also known as a stress test, is essential when establishing VA disability for heart conditions. During your C&P exam, the physician may perform METs testing on either the treadmill or stationary bike.
The doctor will measure your heart’s electrical activity and blood flow as your heart rate and blood pressure increase. The test helps determine how well your heart is pumping and how much reserve capacity it has.
A healthy heart pumps enough blood to meet the demand, while someone with ischemic heart disease has a reduced blood flow, leading to abnormal electrical activity.
VA Rating Chart for Ischemic Heart Disease
The VA generally rates ischemic heart disease under 38 CFR § 4.104 – Schedule of Ratings, Cardiovascular System, Diagnostic Code 7005.
The VA rating for Coronary Artery Disease follows the below chart.
| Description | VA Rating |
| MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 3.0 METs or less | 100% |
| MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 3.1 to 5.0 METs | 60% |
| A MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 5.1 to 7.0 METs, OR Evidence (echocardiogram, multigated acquisition scan, MRI, etc.) of hypertrophy or dilatation. | 30% |
| A MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 7.1 to 10.0 METs, OR Continuous medication is required for control | 10% |
VA Disability Rating for Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB)
Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB) is an irregular, rapid heartbeat, increasing your risk for heart failure, stroke, and other heart-related conditions. In addition, your heart’s two upper chambers beat irregularly and out of coordination with the two lower chambers.
Symptoms of AFIB
- Weakness
- Palpitations (sensations of an uncomfortable, racing, irregular heartbeat)
- Fatigue
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Occasionally, you will have no AFIB symptoms, and the condition isn’t discovered until your physical exam.
You can find the AFIB VA Rating under Diagnostic Code 7010, and if eligible, you can receive a rating of 10 or 30%, depending on the severity, duration, and frequency of your condition.
VA Rating for AFIB
| Description | VA Rating |
| If it requires intravenous pharmacologic adjustment, cardioversion, and/or ablation to relieve symptoms 5 or more times a year | 30% |
| If it requires one or more of the following: Intravenous pharmacologic adjustment, cardioversion, and/or ablation to relieve symptoms 1 to 4 times a yearContinuous use of oral medication to control symptomsVagal maneuvers (vagus nerve stimulation) to control symptoms | 10% |
VA Disability Rating for Heart Murmur
Heart murmurs are whooshing or swishing sounds made by turbulent, rapid blood flow through the heart. While some people are born with heart murmurs, veterans are frequently diagnosed after their service.
A heart murmur and an arrhythmia are often confused, so here’s a quick overview of the difference:
- Heart Murmur = An extra or unusual sound in a heartbeat
- Arrhythmia = An irregular heartbeat rhythm
Heart Murmur Symptoms
- Swollen liver
- Blue or gray fingernails lips
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weight gain or swelling
- Dizziness
- Cough that doesn’t go away
- Heavy sweating with little or no activity
- Swollen neck veins
VA Rating Chart for Heart Murmur
| MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 3.0 METs or less | 100% |
| MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 3.1 to 5.0 METs | 60% |
| A MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 5.1 to 7.0 METs, OR Evidence (echocardiogram, multigated acquisition scan, MRI, etc.) of hypertrophy or dilatation. | 30% |
| A MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 7.1 to 10.0 METs, OR Continuous medication is required for control | 10% |
VA Rating for Heart Disease
Heart disease is a broad term for a handful of cardiovascular health conditions, with many having similar symptoms and attributes.
Practical terms to know while determining your VA disability for heart conditions:
- Dyspnea: Labored or difficulty breathing
- Angina: A condition marked by severe chest pain, often spreading to the arms, shoulders, and neck
- Syncope: A temporary loss of consciousness due to a fall in blood pressure
VA Rating Chart for Heart Disease
| Description | VA Rating |
| Chronic congestive heart failure, OR The workload of 3 METs or less results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, OR Left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent | 100% |
| More than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year, OR The workload of greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, OR Left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent | 60% |
| The workload of greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, OR Evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation on electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, or X-ray | 30% |
| The workload of greater than 7 METs but not greater than 10 METs results in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope, OR Continuous medication required | 10% |
VA Disability Rating for Arteriosclerosis
Generally, coronary artery disease is caused by arteriosclerosis, as a buildup of plaque (fatty deposits) and cholesterol forms in your arteries. Military conditions make you more likely to develop arteriosclerosis because of the sometimes sedentary lifestyle in a high-stress environment.
4 Ways Arteriosclerosis Can Manifest
- Coronary artery disease: A plaque buildup inside a coronary artery
- Peripheral artery disease: Narrowing of the arteries in the arms, pelvis, or legs
- Carotid artery disease: Narrowing of the carotid arteries, which transport blood to the aorta and heart
- Aortic aneurysm: An abnormal enlargement in the aorta
Risk Factors for Arteriosclerosis
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Unhealthy diet
- High stress
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
Arteriosclerosis Symptoms
- Severe headache
- Confusion or difficulty talking
- Dizziness, lack of coordination, or loss of balance
- Numbness or weakness in the face, leg, or arm (usually on one side of the body)
- Vision problems in one or both eyes
VA Rating Chart for Arteriosclerosis
| Description | VA Rating |
| MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 3.0 METs or less | 100% |
| MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 3.1 to 5.0 METs | 60% |
| A MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 5.1 to 7.0 METs, OR Evidence (echocardiogram, multigated acquisition scan, MRI, etc.) of hypertrophy or dilatation. | 30% |
| A MET test causes symptoms (like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, arrhythmia, or fainting) at 7.1 to 10.0 METs, OR Continuous medication is required for control | 10% |
How to Service Connect Your Heart Condition
To receive VA disability for heart conditions, you must meet the elements of a service connection.
The 3 Elements Needed to Service Connect Your Heart Condition are:
- A Current diagnosis
- Evidence of an in-service event, injury, illness or aggravation
- A nexus, or link, between the first two via competent medical evidence
Three Types of Service Connections
- Direct Service Connection: You can prove a current diagnosis of your condition, an in-service illness or event, and a medical nexus linking your diagnosis to your military service.
- Secondary Service Connection: A condition caused or worsened by a primary service-connected condition.
- Presumptive Connection: You served in a time or place that exposed you to hazardous chemicals or environments, like Agent Orange.
VA C&P Exam for Heart Conditions
To receive proper VA disability for heart conditions, you may be required to attend a C&P exam. During the exam, the doctor will have you perform specific exercises to determine how your heart is functioning and its ability to provide oxygen during exercise.
If the results show evidence of a heart condition, you will receive a VA rating between 10%-100%. Your C&P exam determines your appropriate VA rating, so ensure you don’t miss your scheduled appointment.
Check out our Top 7 Tips to Prepare for Your VA C&P Exam before your appointment.
NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?
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Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully-developed claim (FDC)—so you can increase your rating FAST! If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating—or you’re unsure how to get started—reach out to us! Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. Learn what you’ve been missing—so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE!
