Cardiac Transplant

DC 7019Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7019

A surgical procedure to replace a failing heart with a donor heart. The VA assigns a 100% rating for one year following the transplant, then rates based on residual cardiac function including METs capacity, ejection fraction, and the presence of congestive heart failure. The minimum rating after the one-year period is 30%.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 7019

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7019. 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 the heart transplant, a 100% rating is assigned. After that period, the rating is 100% if you have chronic congestive heart failure, workload capacity of 3 METs or less, or ejection fraction less than 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Heart transplant date and hospital admission records
Chronic congestive heart failure documented
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Immunosuppressive therapy and transplant complication records

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing the claim promptly after transplant — the 100% rating is effective for one year from hospital admission, so filing delays reduce the period of maximum benefits.
⚠Not documenting all immunosuppressive medication side effects — anti-rejection drugs can cause kidney damage, diabetes, and other conditions that may be claimed as secondary.
⚠Not requesting a thorough post-transplant cardiac evaluation before the one-year rating reduction — ensure METs testing and echocardiogram are performed to establish your residual function level.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions caused by immunosuppressive therapy — kidney disease, diabetes, and infections are common complications that warrant separate service-connected 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 Transplant

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7019

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Heart transplant date and hospital admission records
Chronic congestive heart failure documented
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Immunosuppressive therapy and transplant complication records

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing the claim promptly after transplant — the 100% rating is effective for one year from hospital admission, so filing delays reduce the period of maximum benefits.

⚠Not documenting all immunosuppressive medication side effects — anti-rejection drugs can cause kidney damage, diabetes, and other conditions that may be claimed as secondary.

⚠Not requesting a thorough post-transplant cardiac evaluation before the one-year rating reduction — ensure METs testing and echocardiogram are performed to establish your residual function level.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions caused by immunosuppressive therapy — kidney disease, diabetes, and infections are common complications that warrant separate service-connected ratings.