How the VA Rates Ischemic Heart Disease

The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7005 criteria a VA rater evaluates Ischemic Heart Disease against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.

Diagnostic code 7005

The rating levels

Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7005 for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.

10%

$180.42/month

Workload of greater than 5 METs but not greater than 7 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; OR continuous medication required.

Examples from this level’s criteria

Angina with moderate exertion (brisk walking, climbing stairs)
On continuous cardiac medications (statin, beta-blocker, aspirin, nitrate)
Can perform light to moderate daily tasks

30%

$552.47/month

Workload of greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; OR left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 50–55 percent; OR workload of 5 METs or more resulting in documented ischemia on stress testing.

Examples from this level’s criteria

Chest pain or shortness of breath with light exertion
Ejection fraction 50–55% on echocardiogram
Stress test positive for ischemia
Limited to slow walking or light household tasks

60%

$1,435.02/month

More than one episode of acute congestive heart failure in the past year; OR workload of greater than 1 MET but not greater than 3 METs resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; OR left ventricular dysfunction with ejection fraction of 30–50 percent.

Examples from this level’s criteria

CHF episodes requiring hospitalization
Ejection fraction 30–50%
Severe exertional limitation (cannot do light housework)
Significant medication burden

100%

$3,938.58/month

Chronic congestive heart failure; OR workload of 3 METs or less resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; OR left ventricular dysfunction with ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.

Examples from this level’s criteria

Ejection fraction under 30%
CHF — fluid retention, dyspnea at rest or minimal exertion
Cannot perform any activity without symptoms
Severely reduced functional capacity
May require LVAD, ICD, or transplant listing

The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.

C&P exam tips for Ischemic Heart Disease

Bring echocardiogram results showing ejection fraction — this is a key rating driver.
Bring cardiac stress test results — exercise tolerance in METs directly maps to rating levels.
Document hospitalizations for angina or heart failure.
List all cardiac medications: this itself supports a minimum 10% rating.
IHD is a Gulf War and Agent Orange presumptive — if you served in qualifying areas, claim it as presumptive.

Common mistakes on Ischemic Heart Disease claims

Not obtaining an echocardiogram — EF is the most objective rating driver.
Not claiming IHD as a Gulf War or Agent Orange presumptive when eligible.
Not documenting functional capacity in METs — work with your cardiologist to get stress test results.
Failing to claim secondary conditions: atrial fibrillation, peripheral artery disease, kidney disease.

Frequently asked questions

What diagnostic code does the VA use for Ischemic Heart Disease?

Ischemic Heart Disease is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7005 — diagnostic code 7005.

What is the highest schedular VA rating for Ischemic Heart Disease?

100% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Ischemic Heart Disease. The criteria at that level describe: Chronic congestive heart failure; OR workload of 3 METs or less resulting in dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope; OR left ventricular dysfunction with ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.

How much does a 100% VA rating for Ischemic Heart Disease pay in 2026?

$3,938.58 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.

Can Ischemic Heart Disease be claimed as a secondary condition?

Yes — veterans commonly file Ischemic Heart Disease secondary to Sleep Apnea, Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2), Hypertension under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310. What carries a secondary claim is a medical nexus opinion connecting it to the service-connected condition.

Related tools & guides

Build your Ischemic Heart Disease claim documentation

Your first claim builds free, on screen — a personal statement mapped to these criteria and a cited draft medical opinion. No card to sign up.

Start your claim — free

Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.