Evidence checklist
Coronary Artery Disease
Evidence strength
Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.
Specialist opinion
Highest value0 of 4 collectedStress test documenting the workload in METs at which heart failure symptoms appear. The VA uses METs to assign ratings: 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%.
Not marked
Echocardiography showing whether there is cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation — that finding is its own route to 30% under the General Rating Formula. Ejection fraction was removed from the General Rating Formula when 38 CFR 4.104 was amended effective November 2021 and no longer sets a percentage. What the echocardiogram still establishes is cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation, which is its own route to 30% with no METs score needed.
Not marked
Cath report documenting the degree of coronary artery stenosis, number of vessels involved, and any interventions (stent, balloon angioplasty). Establishes objective diagnosis.
Not marked
A medical opinion connecting CAD to military service. For veterans with Agent Orange exposure, ischemic heart disease is a presumptive condition — document qualifying service instead.
Not marked
Treatment records
0 of 1 collectedFollow-up records from your cardiologist documenting symptoms, medication adjustments, and functional status over time.
Not marked
Lay statements
0 of 3 collectedA personal log documenting frequency and severity of cardiac symptoms — chest tightness, exertional dyspnea, palpitations — that affect daily function.
Not marked
A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.
Not marked
Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.
Not marked
Benefits questionnaire
0 of 1 collectedStandardized form capturing METs capacity, ejection fraction, workload tolerance, and functional class. Raters rely on this form to determine rating level.
Not marked
Service records
0 of 1 collectedMilitary medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.
Not marked
What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.