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Evidence checklist

Heart Valve Disease

DC 700038 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
Echocardiogram documenting valve pathology and ejection fractionCritical

Echocardiography is the definitive study for valve disease — it quantifies regurgitation severity (trace/mild/moderate/severe), stenosis gradient, valve area, and left ventricular ejection fraction.

Private provider · independent opinion
Exercise stress test with METs estimationCritical

Stress test documenting the workload at which heart failure symptoms appear. The General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart uses METs as the primary rating driver: 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
Nexus opinion linking valve disease to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting valve disease to service-connected endocarditis, rheumatic fever during service, or other in-service cause.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 3 collected
Cardiology follow-up records with symptom documentation

Serial cardiology records documenting the progression of valve disease, symptom burden, and functional class (NYHA classification).

VA or private records · written request
Surgical records if valve repair or replacement performed

Operative report and post-operative records for valve repair or replacement surgery. Under DC 7016, a valve replacement is rated 100% for an indefinite period from the date of hospital admission, with a mandatory VA examination six months after discharge and the General Rating Formula from then on.

VA or private records · written request
Anticoagulation records (if mechanical valve)

INR monitoring and anticoagulant prescription records for mechanical valve recipients, documenting ongoing treatment requirements.

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 ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing valve findings, ejection fraction, METs, and functional limitations from heart valve disease.

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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