VA BENEFITS REFERENCE
The Cardiovascular System: Shared Criteria For DC 7000 Through 7020
Read the cardiovascular system criteria for DC 7000 through 7020: 15 listed codes, their distinct instructions, shared formulas and official notes.
Published criteria from 38 CFR 4.104, current through 2026-10-22. Historical decisions may require a different version. This reference does not diagnose a condition or determine an evaluation.
The Cardiovascular System · All Diagnostic Codes
DC 7000: Valvular Heart Disease (Including Rheumatic Heart Disease),
Diagnostic code 7000 addresses Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease),. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 7000 Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease), |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: General Heart Formula · Active Infection And Followup.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 7000, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Do records describe the functional or work effects addressed by the criteria without assuming an outcome?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
DC 7001: Endocarditis, Or
Diagnostic code 7001 addresses Endocarditis, or. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 7001 Endocarditis, or |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: General Heart Formula · Active Infection And Followup.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 7001, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Do records describe the functional or work effects addressed by the criteria without assuming an outcome?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
DC 7002: Pericarditis
Diagnostic code 7002 addresses Pericarditis. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 7002 Pericarditis: |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: General Heart Formula · Active Infection And Followup.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 7002, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Do records describe the functional or work effects addressed by the criteria without assuming an outcome?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
DC 7003: Pericardial Adhesions
Diagnostic code 7003 addresses Pericardial adhesions. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 7003 Pericardial adhesions. |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: General Heart Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 7003, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Do records describe the functional or work effects addressed by the criteria without assuming an outcome?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
DC 7004: Syphilitic Heart Disease
Diagnostic code 7004 addresses Syphilitic heart disease. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 7004 Syphilitic heart disease: | |
| Note: Evaluate syphilitic aortic aneurysms under DC 7110 (Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, abdominal). |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: General Heart Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 7004, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Do records describe the functional or work effects addressed by the criteria without assuming an outcome?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
Regulatory Cross-References
DC 7005: Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)
Diagnostic code 7005 addresses Arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease). Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 7005 Arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease). | |
| Note: If non-service-connected arteriosclerotic heart disease is superimposed on service-connected valvular or other non-arteriosclerotic heart disease, request a medical opinion as to which condition is causing the current signs and symptoms. |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: General Heart Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 7005, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Do records describe the functional or work effects addressed by the criteria without assuming an outcome?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
DC 7006: Myocardial Infarction
Diagnostic code 7006 addresses Myocardial infarction. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 7006 Myocardial infarction: | |
| During and for three months following myocardial infarction, confirmed by laboratory tests | 100 |
| Thereafter, use the General Rating Formula. |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: General Heart Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 7006, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Do records describe the functional or work effects addressed by the criteria without assuming an outcome?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
DC 7007: Hypertensive Heart Disease
Diagnostic code 7007 addresses Hypertensive heart disease. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 7007 Hypertensive heart disease. |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: General Heart Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 7007, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Do records describe the functional or work effects addressed by the criteria without assuming an outcome?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
DC 7009: Bradycardia (Bradyarrhythmia), Symptomatic, Requiring Permanent Pacemaker Implantation
Diagnostic code 7009 addresses Bradycardia (Bradyarrhythmia), symptomatic, requiring permanent pacemaker implantation. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 7009 Bradycardia (Bradyarrhythmia), symptomatic, requiring permanent pacemaker implantation: | |
| For one month following hospital discharge for implantation or re-implantation | 100 |
| Thereafter, use the General Rating Formula. | |
| Note (1): Bradycardia (bradyarrhythmia) refers to conduction abnormalities that produce a heart rate less than 60 beats/min. There are five general classes of bradyarrhythmia: Sinus bradycardia, including sinoatrial block; atrioventricular (AV) junctional (nodal) escape rhythm; AV heart block (second or third degree) or AV dissociation; atrial fibrillation or flutter with a slow ventricular response; and, idioventricular escape rhythm. | |
| Note (2): Asymptomatic bradycardia (bradyarrhythmia) is a medical finding only. It is not a disability subject to compensation. |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: General Heart Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 7009, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Do records describe the functional or work effects addressed by the criteria without assuming an outcome?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
DC 7011: Ventricular Arrhythmias (Sustained)
Diagnostic code 7011 addresses Ventricular arrhythmias (sustained). Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 7011 Ventricular arrhythmias (sustained): | |
| For an indefinite period from the date of inpatient hospital admission for initial medical therapy for a sustained ventricular arrhythmia; or, for an indefinite period from the date of inpatient hospital admission for ventricular aneurysmectomy; or, with an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) in place | 100 |
| Note: When inpatient hospitalization for sustained ventricular arrhythmia or ventricular aneurysmectomy is required, a 100-percent evaluation begins on the date of hospital admission with a mandatory VA examination six months following hospital discharge. Evaluate post-surgical residuals under the General Rating Formula. Apply the provisions of § 3.105(e) of this chapter to any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination. |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: General Heart Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 7011, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Do records describe the functional or work effects addressed by the criteria without assuming an outcome?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
DC 7015: Atrioventricular Block
Diagnostic code 7015 addresses Atrioventricular block. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 7015 Atrioventricular block: | |
| Benign (First-Degree and Second-Degree, Type I): | |
| Evaluate under the General Rating Formula. | |
| Non-Benign (Second-Degree, Type II and Third-Degree): | |
| Evaluate under DC 7018 (implantable cardiac pacemakers). |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: General Heart Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 7015, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Do records describe the functional or work effects addressed by the criteria without assuming an outcome?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
Regulatory Cross-References
DC 7016: Heart Valve Replacement (Prosthesis)
Diagnostic code 7016 addresses Heart valve replacement (prosthesis). Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 7016 Heart valve replacement (prosthesis): | |
| For an indefinite period following date of hospital admission for valve replacement | 100 |
| Thereafter, use the General Rating Formula. | |
| Note: Six months following discharge from inpatient hospitalization, disability evaluation shall be conducted by mandatory VA examination using the General Rating Formula. Apply the provisions of § 3.105(e) of this chapter to any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination. |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: General Heart Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 7016, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Do records describe the functional or work effects addressed by the criteria without assuming an outcome?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
DC 7017: Coronary Bypass Surgery
Diagnostic code 7017 addresses Coronary bypass surgery. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 7017 Coronary bypass surgery: | |
| For three months following hospital admission for surgery | 100 |
| Thereafter, use the General Rating Formula. |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: General Heart Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 7017, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Do records describe the functional or work effects addressed by the criteria without assuming an outcome?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
DC 7019: Cardiac Transplantation
Diagnostic code 7019 addresses Cardiac transplantation. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 7019 Cardiac transplantation: | |
| For a minimum of one year from the date of hospital admission for cardiac transplantation | 100 |
| Thereafter: | |
| Evaluate under the General Rating Formula. | |
| Minimum | 30 |
| Note: One year following discharge from inpatient hospitalization, determine the appropriate disability rating by mandatory VA examination. Apply the provisions of § 3.105(e) of this chapter to any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination. |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: General Heart Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 7019, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Do records describe the functional or work effects addressed by the criteria without assuming an outcome?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
DC 7020: Cardiomyopathy
Diagnostic code 7020 addresses Cardiomyopathy. Read its specific instructions together with any shared formula, notes and linked provisions. These criteria describe evaluation after the applicable entitlement requirements are met; this reference does not diagnose a condition or determine a claim.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 7020 Cardiomyopathy. |
Read the shared provisions referenced by this code: General Heart Formula.
What The Criteria Measure
- Does the decision identify diagnostic code 7020, and does the medical record describe the condition named by this code?
- Are the required clinical measurements, testing methods and any stated exceptions documented by a qualified clinician?
- Do records identify the treatment, procedure and relevant dates that the provision actually distinguishes?
- Do records describe the functional or work effects addressed by the criteria without assuming an outcome?
- Have the code-specific notes and cross-references been read before comparing any listed evaluation?
Related Public DBQs
Editorial subject matches, not official VA code-to-form assignments. Read the form scope and clinician instructions.
General Heart Formula
Referenced by DC 7000, DC 7001, DC 7002, DC 7003, DC 7004, DC 7005, DC 7006, DC 7007, DC 7009, DC 7011, DC 7015, DC 7016, DC 7017, DC 7019, DC 7020. Apply only as each code directs, including its conditions and exceptions.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| Note (1): Evaluate cor pulmonale, which is a form of secondary heart disease, as part of the pulmonary condition that causes it. | |
| Note (2): One MET (metabolic equivalent) is the energy cost of standing quietly at rest and represents an oxygen uptake of 3.5 milliliters per kilogram of body weight per minute. When the level of METs at which breathlessness, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope develops is required for evaluation, and a laboratory determination of METs by exercise testing cannot be done for medical reasons, a medical examiner may estimate the level of activity (expressed in METs and supported by specific examples, such as slow stair climbing or shoveling snow) that results in those symptoms. | |
| Note (3): For this general formula, heart failure symptoms include, but are not limited to, breathlessness, fatigue, angina, dizziness, arrhythmia, palpitations, or syncope. | |
| GENERAL RATING FORMULA FOR DISEASES OF THE HEART: | |
| Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms | 100 |
| Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms | 60 |
| 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) | 30 |
| Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control | 10 |
Active Infection And Followup
Referenced by DC 7000, DC 7001, DC 7002. Apply only as each code directs, including its conditions and exceptions.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| During active infection with cardiac involvement and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection | 100 |
| Thereafter, with diagnosis confirmed by findings on physical examination and either echocardiogram, Doppler echocardiogram, or cardiac catheterization, use the General Rating Formula. |
Shared Rules And Regulatory Context
Context provisions do not create an additional evaluation automatically assigned to every condition.
Related Guides
Official Sources
Last verified 2026-10-25. Source publication or legal effective dates are shown separately where available.
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