Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 7007: Hypertensive 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 Hypertensive Heart Disease under diagnostic code 7007 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 7007 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Workload of 7.1 to 10 METs results in heart-failure symptoms (dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, syncope); or continuous medication required for control What raters look for7.1-10 METs; continuous medication |
| 30% | Workload of 5.1 to 7 METs results in heart-failure symptoms; or cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation on echocardiogram, MRI, or equivalent What raters look for5.1-7 METs; hypertrophy or dilatation |
| 60% | Workload of 3.1 to 5 METs results in heart-failure symptoms What raters look for3.1-5 METs |
| 100% | Workload of 3 METs or less results in heart-failure symptoms What raters look for3 METs or less |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Heart Disease. The Heart Disease condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Heart Disease appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 323 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Heart Disease as the primary issue. The Heart Disease condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Heart Disease appeals generally rather than DC 7007 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 7007?
Diagnostic code 7007 is the VA rating schedule entry for Hypertensive 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 7007?
DC 7007 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 7007 require?
The 100% rating for Hypertensive Heart Disease requires: Workload of 3 METs or less results in heart-failure symptoms.