Coronary Artery Stent Residuals

DC 7005Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7005

Ongoing heart problems after having a stent placed in a coronary artery. The VA rates stent residuals based on your heart workload capacity measured in METs (metabolic equivalents), similar to coronary artery disease.

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 7005

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 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 chronic congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less, or your left ventricular ejection fraction is less than 30 percent despite having stents placed.

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Multiple stent placements with progressive disease
Severe exercise limitation despite revascularization

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a post-stent exercise stress test — the VA needs objective METs data to rate your condition. If you cannot exercise, the examiner can estimate METs based on your daily activity limitations.
⚠Not documenting in-stent restenosis or repeat procedures — if your stent has narrowed again or you needed additional stents, this supports a higher rating.
⚠Not connecting the original coronary artery disease to service — the stent is a treatment for the underlying heart disease, so the service connection must trace back to the CAD itself.
⚠Not filing for medication side effects — long-term blood thinners and anti-platelet drugs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, bruising, and other conditions that may 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…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7005

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have chronic congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less, or your left ventricular ejection fraction is less than 30 percent despite having stents placed.

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Multiple stent placements with progressive disease
Severe exercise limitation despite revascularization

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a post-stent exercise stress test — the VA needs objective METs data to rate your condition. If you cannot exercise, the examiner can estimate METs based on your daily activity limitations.

⚠Not documenting in-stent restenosis or repeat procedures — if your stent has narrowed again or you needed additional stents, this supports a higher rating.

⚠Not connecting the original coronary artery disease to service — the stent is a treatment for the underlying heart disease, so the service connection must trace back to the CAD itself.

⚠Not filing for medication side effects — long-term blood thinners and anti-platelet drugs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, bruising, and other conditions that may warrant separate ratings.