Free · From a nonprofit · No account needed
Syphilitic heart disease
Diagnostic code 7004 · Cardiovascular system · 38 CFR 4.104
Rating criteria: the exact regulation text
Quoted from 38 CFR 4.104. The "Rating" column is the percentage VA assigns for that level.
Printed at the start of this table in the regulation:
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Note (1): Evaluate cor pulmonale, which is a form of secondary heart disease, as part of the pulmonary condition that causes it. | |
| Note (2): One MET (metabolic equivalent) is the energy cost of standing quietly at rest and represents an oxygen uptake of 3.5 milliliters per kilogram of body weight per minute. When the level of METs at which breathlessness, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope develops is required for evaluation, and a laboratory determination of METs by exercise testing cannot be done for medical reasons, a medical examiner may estimate the level of activity (expressed in METs and supported by specific examples, such as slow stair climbing or shoveling snow) that results in those symptoms. | |
| Note (3): For this general formula, heart failure symptoms include, but are not limited to, breathlessness, fatigue, angina, dizziness, arrhythmia, palpitations, or syncope. |
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7004 Syphilitic heart disease: | |
| Note: Evaluate syphilitic aortic aneurysms under DC 7110 (Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, abdominal). |
GENERAL RATING FORMULA FOR DISEASES OF THE HEART
The table's heading says to use this formula unless the regulation directs otherwise.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| GENERAL RATING FORMULA FOR DISEASES OF THE HEART: | |
| Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms | 100 |
| Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms | 60 |
| Workload of 5.1-7.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalent (e.g., multigated acquisition scan or magnetic resonance imaging) | 30 |
| Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control | 10 |
Where else the regulation mentions this code
These lines appear under other codes or headings in the schedule and name this code.
Note: Rate under the appropriate body system any residual disability of infection, which includes, but is not limited to, diseases of the nervous system, vascular system, eyes, or ears (see DC 7004, DC 8013, DC 8014, DC 8015, and DC 9301).
Under diagnostic code 6310 (Syphilis, and other treponema infections)
Related codes in the regulation
- 7110 Aortic aneurysmMentioned together
- 6310 Syphilis, and other treponema infectionsMentioned together
The VA exam form for this condition
VA examiners record their findings on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). Reading it shows you what the exam will measure and ask.
Rules that apply to this body system
Where this comes from
38 CFR 4.104, VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, from the official eCFR.
Regulation text current as of October 16, 2026.
Change history for this code (38 CFR Part 4, Appendix A): Criterion September 22, 1978; evaluation January 12, 1998; criterion November 14, 2021.
Read it on eCFR.govInformation, not advice
This page shows the text of VA's rating regulation for information. It is not a rating estimate, and it is not legal or medical advice. VA decides every rating on the evidence in your file.
An accredited representative can help you with your claim for free. Find a VA-accredited representative.
File this claim for free
VetEZ Claim is a free app from VetClaims Alliance, a nonprofit. Start with an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966): it can hold your effective date, the date back pay can start from, for up to a year while you get your claim ready. You review and sign each form, and the app sends it to VA. No subscriptions or paid upgrades.