Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common heart conditions affecting U.S. veterans. For many, it directly impacts daily life, work ability, and long-term health.
Knowing how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates CAD can make a major difference in securing the correct disability compensation and avoiding underrating.
“Many veterans are rated too low for heart conditions simply because they don’t understand how METs scores and medical evidence factor into VA decisions,” says James Richardson, Accredited VA Claims Agent.
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Introduction to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) for Veterans
Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. Over time, this can lead to angina, heart attacks, arrhythmias, or chronic heart failure.
Veterans are at higher risk due to service-related stressors, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors associated with military service.
“CAD is often progressive, meaning symptoms can worsen over time, which is why periodic re-evaluation is critical,” explains Dr. Laura Bennett, Cardiologist and VA Medical Consultant.
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For veterans, CAD may be directly service-connected or presumed service-connected based on toxic exposure history.
How the VA Rates Coronary Artery Disease?
The VA evaluates coronary artery disease under 38 CFR §4.104, Schedule of Ratings – Cardiovascular System. Ratings are primarily based on how well the heart functions and how symptoms limit physical activity.
CAD VA Rating
| VA Disability Rating | Medical Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Workload of 3.0 METs or less resulting in heart failure symptoms |
| 60% | Workload of 3.1–5.0 METs resulting in heart failure symptoms |
| 30% | Workload of 5.1–7.0 METs OR cardiac hypertrophy or dilation confirmed by imaging |
| 10% | Workload of 7.1–10.0 METs OR continuous medication required |
“The VA focuses on functional limitation, not just diagnosis. Two veterans with CAD may receive very different ratings,” notes Mark Sullivan, Veterans Disability Attorney.
Understanding METs and Their Impact on VA Ratings
METs, or Metabolic Equivalents, measure how much energy your body uses during activity. Lower METs indicate more severe heart limitations.
For VA disability purposes, METs directly correlate with your rating percentage.
| METs Level | Functional Impact |
|---|---|
| 1–3 METs | Symptoms during basic activities like dressing or slow walking |
| 3–5 METs | Symptoms with light housework or short walks |
| 5–7 METs | Symptoms after walking several blocks or climbing stairs |
| 7–10 METs | Symptoms only during heavier exertion |
If a stress test is medically unsafe, VA regulations allow doctors to estimate METs based on observed symptoms.
Eligibility Rules for a CAD VA Disability Rating
To receive VA compensation for coronary artery disease, you must establish service connection. This requires three elements:
- A current medical diagnosis of CAD
- An in-service event, illness, injury, or exposure
- A medical nexus linking service to the diagnosis
Service connection may be direct, secondary, or presumptive.
“The nexus letter is often the most overlooked but critical piece of evidence,” says Dr. Anthony Moore, Independent Medical Examiner.
Is Coronary Artery Disease a Presumptive VA Condition?
Yes. CAD is a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange and certain toxic substances.
Eligible service locations include Vietnam, the Korean DMZ, certain Thailand military bases, and other qualifying exposure areas. Veterans who qualify do not need to prove a direct link.
Benefits of a Coronary Artery Disease VA Rating
A CAD VA rating provides monthly, tax-free compensation and access to additional benefits.
Key benefits include:
- Monthly VA disability payments
- Priority VA healthcare
- Potential eligibility for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
- Dependent benefits at higher ratings
Higher ratings reflect greater functional loss and long-term support.
Payment and Processing Details for CAD VA Claims
VA compensation depends on your disability rating and dependent status.
CAD VA Compensation
| Rating Level | Monthly Compensation (Veteran Only) |
|---|---|
| 10% | Entry-level monthly benefit |
| 30% | Increased benefit with dependents |
| 60% | Higher monthly compensation |
| 100% | Maximum VA disability payment |
Processing times vary depending on evidence completeness and claim type.
“Complete medical records upfront can shorten claim timelines by months,” advises Sarah Collins, VA Benefits Consultant.
Coronary Artery Disease and TDIU Eligibility
Veterans unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to CAD may qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
Eligibility requirements include:
- One service-connected disability rated 60% or higher, or
- Multiple disabilities with one at 40% and a combined 70% rating
TDIU pays at the 100% VA disability rate, even if CAD is rated lower.
Secondary Conditions Linked to Coronary Artery Disease
CAD often causes or worsens other health issues that may qualify for secondary service connection.
Common secondary conditions include:
- Congestive heart failure
- Hypertension
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Depression or anxiety related to chronic illness
Secondary claims require medical evidence showing causation or aggravation.
Recent Updates Affecting CAD VA Ratings
The VA has increased emphasis on functional impact rather than test results alone. Expanded toxic exposure recognition has also strengthened presumptive CAD claims.
“Veterans filing claims today benefit from broader exposure recognition than ever before,” notes Richardson.
Why CAD VA Ratings Matter for Veterans?
An accurate CAD VA rating directly affects financial stability, healthcare access, and family security. Underrated claims can cost veterans thousands of dollars per year.
Understanding VA rating criteria helps veterans protect their earned benefits.
FAQs
What is the VA rating for coronary artery disease?
VA ratings range from 10% to 100%, based on METs levels, symptoms, and medical evidence.
Is coronary artery disease a VA presumptive condition?
Yes. CAD is presumptive for qualifying Agent Orange exposure.
How does the VA determine my CAD rating?
The VA reviews METs scores, imaging, symptoms, and treatment history.
Can I get 100% VA disability for CAD?
Yes. Severe symptoms, chronic heart failure, or METs of 3 or less may qualify.
Can CAD qualify for TDIU?
Yes. If CAD prevents employment and rating thresholds are met.
Can I increase my CAD VA rating?
Yes. File for an increase with updated medical evidence if symptoms worsen.
