Hypertensive Heart Disease

DC 7007Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7007

Heart disease caused by long-standing high blood pressure, leading to structural changes in the heart such as left ventricular hypertrophy and eventual heart failure. The VA rates hypertensive heart disease based on workload capacity in METs, ejection fraction, and the presence of congestive heart failure.

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 7007

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7007. 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 resulting in symptoms, or your left ventricular ejection fraction is less than 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure documented
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Severe exercise limitation
Ongoing heart failure management records

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming hypertensive heart disease as secondary to service-connected hypertension — if your hypertension has caused cardiac structural changes, this is a separate ratable condition.
⚠Not getting an echocardiogram to document left ventricular hypertrophy and ejection fraction — the VA needs objective cardiac imaging to assign the proper rating.
⚠Confusing hypertension and hypertensive heart disease — they are rated under different diagnostic codes (7101 vs. 7007), and you may be entitled to separate ratings if the symptoms do not overlap.
⚠Not documenting the progression from hypertension to heart disease with medical records showing the timeline of cardiac changes.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Heart Conditions
DBQ Hypertension

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Hypertensive Heart Disease

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7007

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

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

Chronic congestive heart failure documented
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Severe exercise limitation
Ongoing heart failure management records

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming hypertensive heart disease as secondary to service-connected hypertension — if your hypertension has caused cardiac structural changes, this is a separate ratable condition.

⚠Not getting an echocardiogram to document left ventricular hypertrophy and ejection fraction — the VA needs objective cardiac imaging to assign the proper rating.

⚠Confusing hypertension and hypertensive heart disease — they are rated under different diagnostic codes (7101 vs. 7007), and you may be entitled to separate ratings if the symptoms do not overlap.

⚠Not documenting the progression from hypertension to heart disease with medical records showing the timeline of cardiac changes.