Aortic Valve Replacement Residuals

DC 7016Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7016

Lasting effects after surgery to replace a damaged aortic heart valve with a mechanical or biological prosthetic valve. The VA rates this condition based on your heart workload capacity in METs, ejection fraction, and whether you need anticoagulation medication. A 100% rating is assigned for one year after valve replacement surgery.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 7016

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7016. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

For one year following valve replacement surgery. Or chronic congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less causing symptoms, or your ejection fraction is less than 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Within one year of valve replacement surgery
Chronic congestive heart failure
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Operative report documenting valve replacement

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming the automatic 100% rating for the first year after valve replacement surgery — this is guaranteed by regulation and starts from the date of surgery.
⚠Not documenting need for lifelong anticoagulation therapy (warfarin/Coumadin) for mechanical valves — this supports continuous medication and at minimum a 30% rating.
⚠Not getting regular echocardiograms to monitor prosthetic valve function — valve dysfunction, paravalvular leak, or stenosis can worsen over time and support a higher rating.
⚠Failing to request a METs estimation when you cannot perform exercise stress testing — the examiner can estimate METs from your reported daily activity limitations.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Heart Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Aortic Valve Replacement Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7016

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

For one year following valve replacement surgery. Or chronic congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less causing symptoms, or your ejection fraction is less than 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Within one year of valve replacement surgery
Chronic congestive heart failure
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Operative report documenting valve replacement

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming the automatic 100% rating for the first year after valve replacement surgery — this is guaranteed by regulation and starts from the date of surgery.

⚠Not documenting need for lifelong anticoagulation therapy (warfarin/Coumadin) for mechanical valves — this supports continuous medication and at minimum a 30% rating.

⚠Not getting regular echocardiograms to monitor prosthetic valve function — valve dysfunction, paravalvular leak, or stenosis can worsen over time and support a higher rating.

⚠Failing to request a METs estimation when you cannot perform exercise stress testing — the examiner can estimate METs from your reported daily activity limitations.