C&P Exam Guide

Heart / Cardiovascular C&P Exam

Cardiovascular exams evaluate heart conditions including coronary artery disease, hypertension, arrhythmias, and heart valve disorders. The key metric is your METs (metabolic equivalents) level — how much physical activity you can handle before symptoms appear. Exercise testing or METs estimation based on interview determines your rating level.

DBQ: DBQ - Heart Conditions / Hypertension
Exam type: In-person with possible exercise testing
Typical duration: 30-60 minutes

What the Examiner Looks For

METs level (exercise capacity), ejection fraction (from echocardiogram), blood pressure readings, need for continuous medication, history of congestive heart failure episodes, work capacity limitations, cardiac test results (EKG, stress test, echo).

Related Diagnostic Codes

DC 7005
Arteriosclerotic heart disease
DC 7007
Hypertensive heart disease
DC 7010
Supraventricular tachycardia
DC 7011
Ventricular arrhythmias
DC 7015
Atrioventricular block
DC 7017
Coronary bypass surgery
DC 7101
Hypertensive vascular disease

General Tips for Every C&P Exam

📝Be honest — do not exaggerate or minimize.
📝Describe your WORST days, not your best.
📝Focus on how the condition impacts your daily life and ability to work.
📝Keep a symptom journal or diary before your exam.
📝Review the DBQ for your condition beforehand.
📝Arrive early and bring all relevant records.
📝You can bring a support person (spouse, friend).
📝The exam is for evaluation, not treatment — do not expect prescriptions.
📝The examiner is not your doctor — they report findings to the VA.
📝If you disagree with the exam results, you can request a new exam.

✅ DO

⚠️ Critical tip
Know your most recent ejection fraction percentage and METs level.
Describe how heart symptoms limit your daily life — stairs, walking distance, yard work.
List all cardiac medications with dosages and how long you have been on them.
⚠️ Critical tip
Report any episodes of congestive heart failure, chest pain, or syncope.

❌ DON'T

⚠️ Critical tip
Do not downplay symptoms — describe your worst days and limitations honestly.
Do not skip your regular medications before the exam unless instructed.

📋 BRING

⚠️ Critical tip
Recent cardiology records: echocardiogram, stress test, EKG results.
Medication list with start dates and dosages.
Records of any ER visits, hospitalizations, or cardiac procedures.

🔍 EXPECT

Blood pressure will be taken multiple times.
You may be asked to do an exercise stress test or the examiner may estimate METs from interview.
Questions about how far you can walk, climb stairs, and perform daily tasks.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal or medical advice. Every veteran's situation is unique. Consider consulting with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or VA-accredited attorney for personalized guidance.