Cardiac Contusion Residuals

DC 7099-7005Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7099-7005

Lasting heart problems caused by a bruise to the heart muscle, usually from a chest injury such as a blast, vehicle accident, or blunt trauma. The VA rates residuals based on how the injury has affected your heart function, rhythm, and exercise capacity.

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 7099-7005

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7099-7005. 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

You have significant cardiac dysfunction from the contusion. Your workload capacity is greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs, your ejection fraction is 30 to 50 percent, or you have had congestive heart failure episodes.

What the VA looks for

Workload capacity greater than 3 but not greater than 5 METs
Left ventricular ejection fraction of 30-50%
Congestive heart failure episodes from contusion damage
Significant structural cardiac damage on imaging
Severe arrhythmias requiring device (pacemaker or ICD)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not preserving the original trauma records — the in-service chest injury documentation is essential for service connection. Request records from the specific incident (accident reports, field hospital notes, combat injury records).
⚠Not getting a cardiac MRI — MRI can show scarring at the contusion site years after the injury, providing objective evidence that the contusion caused lasting heart damage.
⚠Not documenting the progression of symptoms over time — cardiac contusion residuals can worsen years after the initial injury. Regular cardiac evaluations create the evidence trail the VA needs.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — chest wall pain, anxiety from the trauma, and respiratory issues from the same injury may each warrant separate ratings.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Heart Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Cardiac Contusion Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7099-7005

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Workload capacity greater than 3 but not greater than 5 METs
Left ventricular ejection fraction of 30-50%
Congestive heart failure episodes from contusion damage
Significant structural cardiac damage on imaging
Severe arrhythmias requiring device (pacemaker or ICD)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not preserving the original trauma records — the in-service chest injury documentation is essential for service connection. Request records from the specific incident (accident reports, field hospital notes, combat injury records).

⚠Not getting a cardiac MRI — MRI can show scarring at the contusion site years after the injury, providing objective evidence that the contusion caused lasting heart damage.

⚠Not documenting the progression of symptoms over time — cardiac contusion residuals can worsen years after the initial injury. Regular cardiac evaluations create the evidence trail the VA needs.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — chest wall pain, anxiety from the trauma, and respiratory issues from the same injury may each warrant separate ratings.