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There are 5 VA presumptive heart conditions that the VA automatically presumes were caused by your military service.
That means if you’ve been diagnosed with one of these conditions and meet certain service criteria, it’s easier to get service connected for VA disability benefits. That’s because there’s no need to prove your condition was caused by your time in uniform.
Not sure where to start or what qualifies? We break it all down in this post!
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- If you have a presumptive condition, you don’t need to prove that it was directly caused by your military service, making it easier to get VA disability benefits.
- The VA officially recognizes five heart conditions as presumptive, meaning they automatically presumes your military service caused them.
- You can apply for VA disability for heart conditions online, by mail, via fax, or in person.
What is a Presumptive Condition?
The VA knows some health problems are clearly linked to military service, especially if you served in certain places or during specific time periods.
That’s why they created presumptive conditions.
If your condition is on the VA’s presumptive list, they automatically connect it to your service, so you don’t need to jump through hoops to prove it. That saves you time, energy, and stress.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a presumptive heart condition, you could qualify for monthly, tax-free VA disability compensation.
Why VA Presumptive Conditions Are Easy to Get Approved!
VA Presumptive Heart Conditions
Here are the 5 heart-related conditions the VA currently recognizes as presumptive:
- AL Amyloidosis: Presumptive for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange during specific time periods.
- Beriberi Heart Disease: Presumptive for former prisoners of war if you were imprisoned for at least 30 days.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Presumptive for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange during specific time periods
- Heart disease or hypertensive vascular disease: Presumptive for former prisoners of war.
- Ischemic heart disease (including but not limited to coronary artery disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease): Presumptive for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange during specific time periods.
Agent Orange Exposure and Disability Compensation
Eligibility for VA Presumptive Heart Conditions
To qualify for benefits, you need to meet two key requirements:
1. You Have a Diagnosed Presumptive Heart Condition
A doctor must diagnose your condition and document it in your medical records.
2. You Served in a Qualifying Location or Time Period
Your heart condition must be linked to service in one of these areas:
- Vietnam (Jan. 9, 1962 – May 7, 1975)
- Korea, near the DMZ (Sept. 1, 1967 – Aug. 31, 1971)
- Certain Gulf War and post-9/11 locations
- You were a former Prisoner of War (POW)
If both apply to you, the VA presumes your condition is service-connected, which means you don’t need to prove an in-service event, disease, or aggravation.
Complete List of Eligibility Requirements
How the VA Rates Heart Conditions
The VA rates heart conditions under the § 4.104 Schedule of Ratings—Cardiovascular System, with ratings ranging from 0% to 100%.
For example, the VA usually rates ischemic heart disease under diagnostic code 7005 and assigns ratings of 10%, 30%, 60%, or 100%.
The VA uses MET testing to measure how much physical activity your heart can handle.
The lower your METs level before symptoms show up, the worse your condition—and the higher your VA rating may be.
See More: Guide to VA Disability for Heart Conditions
How to Get VA Disability for Presumptive Heart Conditions
Even though heart conditions may be considered presumptive, you still need to apply for VA disability benefits.
The easiest way to file is online, but you can also complete VA form 21-526EZ and
apply using one of these options:
- By mail to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444
- Via fax:
844-531-7818 (Inside the U.S)
248-524-4260 (Outside the U.S)
- In-person at a VA regional office
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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.
