Primary service-connected condition

DC 7005 — Arteriosclerotic heart disease

Also known as: Arteriosclerotic heart disease, heart disease, coronary artery disease, CAD, heart attack, chest pain, angina, ischemic heart disease

Mapped secondary conditions
6

These are commonly claimed secondary connections linked to this primary disability. Use them as a screening tool for conversations with your doctor, VSO, or VA-accredited attorney.

Primary Secondary

Arteriosclerotic heart disease Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity

7522
Strong

How the connection is commonly explained

Cardiovascular disease directly affects blood flow

Filing tip

File as a secondary claim to DC 7005 (Arteriosclerotic heart disease). Provide medical records showing cardiovascular disease directly affects blood flow and request a nexus opinion linking Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity to your service-connected condition.

Relationship type: Caused by
View condition detail
Primary Secondary

Arteriosclerotic heart disease Generalized anxiety disorder

9400
Strong

How the connection is commonly explained

Fear of cardiac events causes significant anxiety

Filing tip

File as a secondary claim to DC 7005 (Arteriosclerotic heart disease). Provide medical records showing fear of cardiac events causes significant anxiety and request a nexus opinion linking Generalized anxiety disorder to your service-connected condition.

Relationship type: Caused by
View condition detail
Primary Secondary

Arteriosclerotic heart disease Hypertensive vascular disease

7101
Strong

How the connection is commonly explained

Heart disease and hypertension commonly co-occur

Filing tip

File as a secondary claim to DC 7005 (Arteriosclerotic heart disease). Provide medical records showing heart disease and hypertension commonly co-occur and request a nexus opinion linking Hypertensive vascular disease to your service-connected condition.

Relationship type: Caused by
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Primary Secondary

Arteriosclerotic heart disease Major depressive disorder

9434
Strong

How the connection is commonly explained

Heart disease and depression are strongly bidirectionally linked

Filing tip

File as a secondary claim to DC 7005 (Arteriosclerotic heart disease). Provide medical records showing heart disease and depression are strongly bidirectionally linked and request a nexus opinion linking Major depressive disorder to your service-connected condition.

Relationship type: Caused by
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Primary Secondary

Arteriosclerotic heart disease Sleep Apnea Syndromes

6847
Strong

How the connection is commonly explained

Heart disease and sleep apnea share bidirectional relationship

Filing tip

File as a secondary claim to DC 7005 (Arteriosclerotic heart disease). Provide medical records showing heart disease and sleep apnea share bidirectional relationship and request a nexus opinion linking Sleep Apnea Syndromes to your service-connected condition.

Relationship type: Caused by
View condition detail
Primary Secondary

Arteriosclerotic heart disease Nephritis, chronic

7502
Moderate

How the connection is commonly explained

Reduced cardiac output affects kidney function

Filing tip

File as a secondary claim to DC 7005 (Arteriosclerotic heart disease). Provide medical records showing reduced cardiac output affects kidney function and request a nexus opinion linking Nephritis, chronic to your service-connected condition.

Relationship type: Caused by
View condition detail

This condition may also be secondary to

Diabetes mellitus
DC 7913
Strong

Diabetes significantly increases cardiovascular risk.

Hypertensive vascular disease
DC 7101
Strong

Chronic hypertension is a leading cause of heart disease.

Nephritis, chronic
DC 7502
Strong

Kidney disease is an independent cardiovascular risk factor

Sleep Apnea Syndromes
DC 6847
Moderate

Untreated sleep apnea significantly increases risk of ischemic heart disease.

How to File a Secondary Claim

1. Have your primary condition already service-connected.
2. Get diagnosed with the secondary condition.
3. Get a nexus letter from a doctor linking them.
4. File VA Form 21-526EZ and select the claim as a secondary claim.
5. Attend the C&P exam if one is scheduled.

Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.