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Evidence checklist

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Residuals

DC 701738 CFR § 4.104Cardiovascular

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 3 collected
Post-CABG exercise stress test with METs estimationCritical

Post-surgical stress test documenting the workload at which heart failure symptoms appear. METs are the primary rating driver for CABG residuals once the three-month 100% period under DC 7017 ends: 3.0 METs or less = 100%, 3.1-5.0 METs = 60%, 5.1-7.0 METs = 30%, and 7.1-10.0 METs (or continuous medication required for control) = 10%.

Private provider · independent opinion
Post-CABG echocardiogram with ejection fractionCritical

Post-operative echocardiography documenting recovery of EF, wall motion improvement, and any residual dysfunction. Important for patients who do not achieve full recovery.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking CAD requiring CABG to serviceCritical

A medical opinion connecting the underlying CAD to service. For Agent Orange-exposed veterans, ischemic heart disease (the basis for CABG) is a presumptive condition.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 3 collected
Operative report from CABG surgeryCritical

Surgical records documenting the number of bypass grafts, vessels grafted, bypass time, and any intraoperative complications. Essential for establishing the severity of the underlying disease.

VA or private records · written request
Post-CABG cardiology follow-up records

Serial post-surgical cardiology records documenting functional recovery, symptom status, graft patency imaging, and any complications.

VA or private records · written request
Documentation of sternotomy scar (if separate claim)

Records documenting the sternotomy scar from open-heart surgery. Scars can be rated separately under diagnostic code 7804-7805 in addition to the cardiac rating.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Heart Conditions (Ischemic Heart Disease)Critical

Standardized form capturing METs, ejection fraction, and functional limitations from CABG residuals.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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