WingmanOpen the free toolsWingmanOpen the free toolsIf the VA already service-connected your ischemic heart disease (also called ischemic heart disease, IHD, coronary artery disease, CAD), it can cause or worsen other conditions that are ratable on their own. These "secondary" claims are where many veterans leave money on the table. Below is what a service-connected ischemic heart disease commonly leads to, why, and what evidence each one takes.
A secondary claim only works if the primary condition (ischemic heart disease) is already service-connected, and you have a nexus — a doctor's opinion that it is "at least as likely as not" the cause. More on nexus letters →
The same vascular disease that narrows heart arteries narrows the arteries involved in erections, and cardiac medications add to it. ED is usually rated 0% but service connection unlocks tax-free SMC-K for loss of use of a creative organ.
What you'd need: A diagnosis of ED, your cardiac medication list, and a nexus opinion linking the ED to the heart disease or its treatment. No percentage rating is needed to get SMC-K.
Living with a serious cardiac condition is a recognized cause of secondary depression and anxiety; VA grants mental-health conditions caused or aggravated by chronic physical illness.
What you'd need: A mental-health diagnosis from a provider and a nexus opinion connecting it to the burden of the heart disease.
Advanced coronary disease can progress to heart failure, which is rated more highly. If your cardiac function has worsened, an increased evaluation or a distinct rating may apply.
What you'd need: An echocardiogram (ejection fraction), a workload/METs assessment, and current cardiology records.