VA Disability Rating for Valvular Heart Disease (DC 7000)
Diagnostic Code 7000 · 38 CFR §§4.104
What Is It?
Valvular heart disease occurs when one or more of the heart's four valves do not open or close properly, disrupting normal blood flow. Conditions include mitral valve prolapse, aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and others. In veterans, valve disease may develop from rheumatic fever during service, endocarditis from infections, or damage from the physical stresses of military life. The VA rates valvular heart disease based on exercise capacity measured in METs (metabolic equivalents of task) and cardiac symptoms.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Assigned during active infection with cardiac involvement, and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection. Thereafter, with the diagnosis confirmed by physical examination and either echocardiogram, Doppler echocardiogram, or cardiac catheterization, 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
- Echocardiogram showing valve function, chamber sizes, and any cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation
- Exercise stress test or METs estimation by a cardiologist
- Cardiology records documenting the specific valve condition
- Treatment records including medications and any surgical interventions
- Documentation of symptoms and functional limitations
C&P Exam Tips
- Do not minimize symptoms during the stress test — perform honestly to your actual capacity
- Bring your most recent echocardiogram report
- Describe daily activities you can and cannot perform due to cardiac limitations
- List all cardiac medications and their dosages
- If you have had valve surgery or replacement, bring those surgical records
How to File
File under DC 7000 with echocardiogram results and either an exercise stress test or a cardiologist's METs estimation. If your valve disease resulted from rheumatic fever or endocarditis during service, include those historical records. File for any secondary arrhythmias separately.
Common Mistakes
Not having a recent echocardiogram showing current valve function Performing better than actual capacity during stress testing to avoid appearing weak Not connecting valve disease to in-service rheumatic fever or endocarditis Failing to claim atrial fibrillation from valve disease as a separate condition
Frequently Asked Questions
What are METs and why do they matter?
METs (metabolic equivalents of task) measure exercise capacity. One MET equals the energy used at rest. Walking slowly is about 2-3 METs, climbing stairs is about 5-7 METs. The VA uses METs to objectively measure how much your heart condition limits your physical ability. Lower METs capacity means a higher disability rating.
Does valve replacement surgery affect my rating?
After valve replacement, the VA rates based on your post-surgical cardiac function using the same METs criteria. Many veterans still have significant limitations after valve surgery. A valve replacement itself is evaluated under DC 7016, which assigns 100 percent for an indefinite period following the date of hospital admission for the replacement, with a mandatory VA examination six months following discharge.