VA Disability Rating for Arteriosclerotic heart disease (DC 7005)

Rating levels

• 100% — You qualify for 100% under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart if exercise testing (or a medical examiner's estimate when testing cannot be done) shows that a workload of 3.0 METs or less brings on heart failure symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, chest pain (angina), dizziness, irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or fainting. 3.0 METs is roughly equivalent to slow walking on a level surface, so this rating means even minimal activity brings on symptoms.
• 60% — You qualify for 60% if a workload of 3.1 to 5.0 METs brings on heart failure symptoms (such as breathlessness, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, palpitations, or fainting). The 3-5 MET range covers activities like light housework, slow walking, and dressing.
• 30% — You qualify for 30% if a workload of 5.1 to 7.0 METs brings on heart failure symptoms, OR if you have evidence of cardiac hypertrophy (thickening of the heart muscle) or dilatation (enlargement of the heart chambers) confirmed by echocardiogram or an equivalent test such as a MUGA scan or cardiac MRI. The 5-7 MET range covers brisk walking, climbing stairs at a normal pace, and light cycling.
• 10% — You qualify for 10% if a workload of 7.1 to 10.0 METs brings on heart failure symptoms, OR if you require continuous medication for control. The 7-10 MET range covers heavier exertion like jogging, vigorous cycling, or carrying heavy loads upstairs.