Mitral Valve Prolapse

DC 7000Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7000

A condition where the mitral valve between the left heart chambers does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward. The VA rates mitral valve prolapse based on workload capacity measured 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 7000

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7000. 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 from valve dysfunction
Ongoing heart failure management records

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an echocardiogram to document the severity of mitral regurgitation — the VA needs objective evidence of valve dysfunction, and the degree of regurgitation directly affects functional capacity.
⚠Not requesting a METs estimation if you cannot perform an exercise stress test — the examiner can estimate METs based on your reported daily activity limitations.
⚠Not documenting progressive worsening — mitral valve prolapse can worsen over time, so serial echocardiograms showing increasing regurgitation support a higher rating or claim for increase.
⚠Assuming mitral valve prolapse is always benign — significant regurgitation can cause heart failure, and veterans should not self-dismiss the condition before filing.

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…

Mitral Valve Prolapse

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7000

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 from valve dysfunction
Ongoing heart failure management records

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an echocardiogram to document the severity of mitral regurgitation — the VA needs objective evidence of valve dysfunction, and the degree of regurgitation directly affects functional capacity.

⚠Not requesting a METs estimation if you cannot perform an exercise stress test — the examiner can estimate METs based on your reported daily activity limitations.

⚠Not documenting progressive worsening — mitral valve prolapse can worsen over time, so serial echocardiograms showing increasing regurgitation support a higher rating or claim for increase.

⚠Assuming mitral valve prolapse is always benign — significant regurgitation can cause heart failure, and veterans should not self-dismiss the condition before filing.