VA evaluates coronary artery disease under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart, using MET workloads, heart-failure symptoms, imaging, and medication.
Plain-language summaries explain the text; they do not decide whether any level applies.
Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptomsPlain-language summary
Heart-failure symptoms develop at a workload of 3.0 METs or less.
Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptomsPlain-language summary
Heart-failure symptoms develop at a workload from 3.1 through 5.0 METs.
Workload of 5.1-7.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalentPlain-language summary
This level uses either the listed MET workload or qualifying imaging evidence.
Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for controlPlain-language summary
This level uses either the listed MET workload or continuous medication.
38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7005 · Effective Nov 14, 2021 · Reviewed Sep 11, 2026
These are explicit reviewed mappings, not automatic keyword matches.
VA publishes a public Heart Conditions DBQ.