VA Disability Rating for Coronary Bypass Surgery (DC 7017)
Diagnostic Code 7017 · 38 CFR §4.104
What Is It?
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a major procedure where surgeons create new pathways for blood to flow around blocked coronary arteries. The surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body and grafts it to reroute blood past the blockage. Veterans who undergo bypass surgery for service-connected coronary artery disease are eligible for disability compensation. The VA assigns 100 percent for three months following hospital admission for the surgery, then rates based on residual symptoms and heart function.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Assigned for three months following hospital admission for bypass surgery. Thereafter, the General Rating Formula applies: a workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms. Heart failure symptoms include, but are not limited to, breathlessness, fatigue, angina, dizziness, arrhythmia, palpitations, or syncope. |
| 60% | A workload of 3.1 to 5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms. |
| 30% | A workload of 5.1 to 7.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or there is evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalent, such as a multigated acquisition scan or magnetic resonance imaging. |
| 10% | A workload of 7.1 to 10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication is required for control. DC 7017 sets no minimum evaluation of its own: once the three-month total ends the rating comes from the General Rating Formula, and 38 CFR 4.31 assigns 0 percent when the requirements for a compensable evaluation are not met. |
Evidence Needed
- Operative report from the bypass surgery including number of grafts and findings
- Hospital discharge summary with post-operative status
- Post-surgical cardiology follow-up records showing recovery progress
- Echocardiogram documenting any cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation from after the recovery period
- Stress test results or METs estimation at least three months after surgery
- Current medication list for cardiac drugs
- Service connection evidence for the underlying coronary artery disease
C&P Exam Tips
- Make sure your records clearly document the date of hospital admission for the surgery, because the three-month 100 percent evaluation runs from admission rather than from the operation or the discharge
- Get a stress test and echocardiogram after the three-month recovery period to establish your baseline post-surgical function
- Describe any ongoing symptoms — chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, activity limitations
- Report whether you were able to return to your previous activity level or if you remain limited
- Bring records showing all cardiac medications you continue to take after surgery
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ. Include the surgical operative report, discharge summary, and follow-up cardiology records. If your coronary artery disease is already service-connected, this is an increase claim. Request the 100 percent evaluation, which runs for three months from the date of hospital admission for the surgery.
Common Mistakes
Not claiming the three-month 100 percent evaluation DC 7017 assigns 100 percent for three months following hospital admission for the surgery. File promptly, and check the effective date on the rating decision against the admission record. Getting evaluated too soon after surgery Your permanent rating should be based on your condition after the recovery period, not during it. A stress test done too early may not reflect your stabilized heart function. Forgetting to claim surgical scars The chest and leg incisions from bypass surgery can be rated separately as scars. Include photos and measurements in your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I automatically get 100 percent after bypass surgery?
Yes. DC 7017 assigns 100 percent for three months following hospital admission for the surgery. After that period, the VA evaluates your heart function under the General Rating Formula and assigns a rating based on the workload in METs at which heart failure symptoms develop, or at the 30 percent level on cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalent.
What if I need a second bypass surgery?
You would receive another three-month period at 100 percent, running from the date of hospital admission for that surgery. Your permanent rating would then be reassessed based on your condition after recovery.
Can I claim scars from the surgery separately?
Yes. Bypass surgery typically involves a chest incision and one or more leg incisions for vein harvesting. These scars can be rated separately under the scar rating codes.