VA Disability Rating for Myocardial Infarction / Heart Attack (DC 7006)
Diagnostic Code 7006 · 38 CFR §§4.104
What Is It?
A myocardial infarction (MI) occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing tissue death. In veterans, heart attacks may result from service-connected coronary artery disease, stress cardiomyopathy, or coronary artery spasm. The VA provides an automatic 100% temporary rating during and for three months following a heart attack, then rates the residual cardiac damage under the General Rating Formula, which turns on the workload in METs at which heart failure symptoms develop. Even after recovery, heart attack survivors typically have permanent damage to the heart muscle that limits exercise capacity.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | During and for three months following the myocardial infarction, confirmed by laboratory tests. 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. |
Evidence Needed
- Hospital records from the myocardial infarction including cardiac enzyme levels
- Cardiac catheterization or angiography results
- Post-MI echocardiogram showing wall motion abnormalities and any cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation
- Exercise stress test documenting current METs capacity
- Documentation connecting the MI to service-connected CAD or other cause
C&P Exam Tips
- Bring hospital records from the heart attack event
- Have a recent echocardiogram showing current heart function
- Get a METs assessment — this is the primary basis for your ongoing rating
- Describe daily limitations honestly: stairs, walking distance, energy levels
- List all cardiac medications prescribed after the MI
How to File
File under DC 7006 with hospital records from the MI, current cardiac function tests, and METs assessment. If the MI resulted from service-connected CAD or another service-related cause, establish that connection. File secondary claims for arrhythmias, depression, and other post-MI complications separately.
Common Mistakes
Not filing promptly after the MI to secure the automatic 100% temporary rating Failing to get METs testing after the recovery period for the ongoing rating Not claiming post-MI depression, which is extremely common and underreported Overlooking arrhythmias that develop after the heart attack as a separate claim
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the 100% rating last after a heart attack?
The VA provides a mandatory 100% rating for three months following the MI. After that, the VA will evaluate your current cardiac function under the General Rating Formula and assign 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.
Can a heart attack be service-connected?
Yes. If you have service-connected coronary artery disease, hypertension, or another cardiac condition that caused or contributed to the MI, the heart attack and its residuals are service-connected. Heart attacks occurring during strenuous military duty can also be directly connected.