Heart & Vascular Conditions That Qualify Veterans for VA Disability Benefits in 2025

In 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues to recognize a broad range of heart and vascular conditions for disability compensation.

But qualifying isn’t automatic, it depends on proving a service connection or meeting a presumptive condition, such as exposure to Agent Orange.

This guide breaks down which heart diseases may qualify and what evidence strengthens your VA claim.

Related: Breaking Down VA Benefits Chapters: Your Complete Guide to GI Bill & More

 

Common Heart & Vascular Conditions Eligible for VA Disability

The VA defines cardiovascular disease broadly, covering disorders of the heart, arteries, and veins.

According to Veterans Disability Info and Veterans Guide, these are among the most common qualifying conditions:

• Coronary artery disease (Ischemic heart disease)

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Arrhythmias and angina

• Cardiomyopathy

• Congestive heart failure

• Valvular and structural disorders (aortic stenosis, heart murmurs, prosthetic valves)

• Aneurysms, Raynaud’s syndrome, and varicose veins

Veterans exposed to Agent Orange, especially those who served in Vietnam-era locations, are presumed eligible for ischemic heart disease without needing to prove direct service connection.

If you could use a little extra help, see what benefits you can claim here.

 

How the VA Determines Eligibility and Ratings

To qualify for VA benefits, you must show:

1. A current medical diagnosis

2. An in-service event or exposure

3. A medical nexus connecting the two

The VA then assigns a disability rating (10% to 100%) based on symptom severity and functional limits. Ratings often rely on:

• METs test results (measuring how exertion triggers symptoms)

• Left ventricular ejection fraction (heart function level)

• Blood pressure readings for hypertension cases

If your condition prevents you from working, you may also qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), granting compensation at the 100% level.

 

Tips for Strengthening Your Claim

• Include comprehensive medical records and a nexus letter linking your condition to service.

• Submit a VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for cardiovascular diseases.

• If denied, appeal or file a supplemental claim with new evidence.

 

Bottom Line

For many veterans, heart-related disability benefits can mean crucial financial stability and healthcare access.

Learn more or start your claim at VA.gov/disability.

-

Stay in the loop with the latest benefits resources!

At BrowseResources.com, we take pride in bringing you the freshest and updated articles for you and your family.