Diagnostic Code 7000: Valvular Heart Disease Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.104
- Rating range
- 10% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Cardiovascular system
The VA rates Valvular Heart Disease under diagnostic code 7000 in 38 CFR § 4.104. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 7000 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control What raters look forheart failure symptoms at 7.1-10.0 METs; continuous medication required for control |
| 30% | Workload of 5.1-7.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalent (e.g., multigated acquisition scan or magnetic resonance imaging) What raters look forheart failure symptoms at 5.1-7.0 METs; cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalent |
| 60% | Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms What raters look forheart failure symptoms at 3.1-5.0 METs |
| 100% | During active infection with cardiac involvement and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection; or, thereafter, workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms What raters look foractive infection with cardiac involvement and three months after therapy ends; heart failure symptoms at 3.0 METs or less |
DC 7000 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 106 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 7000 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 27.4%, denied 58.5% and sent 14.2% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 7000 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 7000?
Diagnostic code 7000 is the VA rating schedule entry for Valvular Heart Disease, found in 38 CFR § 4.104. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 7000?
DC 7000 provides ratings of 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 7000 require?
The 100% rating for Valvular Heart Disease requires: During active infection with cardiac involvement and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection; or, thereafter, workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 7000?
In 104 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 7000 from 2021 to 2026, 26.0% were granted, 59.6% denied and 14.4% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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