- Diagnostic Code
- 7101
- CFR Section
- §4.104 — Cardiovascular
Rating Tiers
Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more
Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more
Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or; systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more
Diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or; systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or; minimum evaluation for an individual with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control
Rated Under Formula
This condition is rated using the §4.104 general rating formula.
Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms
Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms
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)
Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control
What Raters Look For
Based on M21-1 adjudication criteria for Cardiovascular conditions. These are the factors a VA rater evaluates when assigning a rating percentage.
M21-1 III.iv.4.C- •Ejection fraction percentage from echocardiogram or MUGA scan
- •Exercise tolerance in METs from stress test results
- •NYHA functional class (I–IV) documented in treatment records
- •Arrhythmia type, documented frequency, and whether it requires intervention
- •Workup findings: EKG, Holter monitor, echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization
- •Episodes of heart failure, hospitalizations, or emergency care
- •Current medications and whether the condition is controlled or progressive