Condition Rating Guides
Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…
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Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…
A condition where your heart cannot pump blood well enough to meet your body's needs, causing fluid buildup and shortness of breath. The VA rates congestive heart failure based on your heart's workload capacity in METs, ejection fraction, and the frequency of acute episodes.
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 7019
Rating range
30% – 100%
Rating levels
3
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.
You have chronic congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less resulting in symptoms, or your left ventricular ejection fraction is less than 30 percent.
What the VA looks for
Conditions commonly associated with Congestive Heart Failure or rated under the same body system.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Chronic Kidney Disease (Renal Insufficiency)
Erectile Dysfunction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Coronary Artery Disease
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Cardiac Arrhythmia