METs and VA Disability Ratings — What Veterans Should Know About Heart Claims

Hosted by: Leah Bucholz, Founder & CEO of Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting

🎧 Episode Summary

In this episode, Leah Bucholz explains what METs are and how they impact VA disability ratings, especially for Veterans with heart and respiratory conditions.

Many Veterans are surprised to see “METs” listed in their C&P exams or VA rating decisions. Leah breaks down what METs (Metabolic Equivalents of Task) actually measure, how the VA uses them to evaluate the severity of cardiovascular disabilities, and what to expect during METs-based exams.

You’ll also learn how METs results tie into VA diagnostic codes, ejection fraction measurements, and symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue — all key factors in determining accurate VA ratings.

🩺 Key Topics Covered

[00:00] — Welcome & Introduction
Leah introduces the episode and explains the goal: helping Veterans understand how METs testing influences their VA disability ratings.

[01:00] — What Are METs?
Definition of METs as “Metabolic Equivalents of Task” — a measure of how much oxygen or energy your body uses during physical activity.
Examples of activities by METs level: light tasks (2–3 METs), moderate (4–6), strenuous (7+).

[03:00] — Why METs Matter for VA Disability
Overview of how the VA uses METs to assess heart and lung function under diagnostic codes like 7005 (ischemic heart disease), 7007 (hypertensive heart disease), and 7016 (valvular disorders).
Leah explains how lower METs scores indicate more severe limitations — and potentially higher ratings.

[05:00] — VA Rating Levels Based on METs

• 100% rating: 3 METs or less — symptoms with minimal activity or during rest.
• 60% rating: 4–5 METs — symptoms with light activity, such as walking one block or light chores.
• 30% rating: 6–7 METs — symptoms with moderate activity like climbing stairs or brisk walking.
• 10% rating: 8–10 METs — symptoms only with heavy activity such as jogging or yard work.

Leah emphasizes that the lower your METs level, the greater the functional limitation, and the higher your potential rating.

[07:00] — What to Expect During METs Testing
Two types of exams explained:

1. Exercise Stress Test — treadmill or stationary bike test measuring oxygen use and symptom response.
2. Interview-Based Estimate — for Veterans who can’t safely perform a stress test; examiner estimates METs based on daily activity tolerance.

[09:00] — Other Evidence Considered Alongside METs
How METs testing is combined with:

• Ejection fraction (EF) on echocardiogram,
• BNP or NT-proBNP levels,
• Symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue,
• Hospitalizations or ongoing treatment records.

[10:30] — How to Prepare for a METs-Based C&P Exam
Tips to make sure your evaluation reflects your true condition:

• Be honest about your activity limits and symptoms.
• Bring a list of medications and recent cardiac tests.
• Stop the test immediately if you feel chest pain or dizziness.
• Explain what daily life feels like on your worst days, not just your best.

[12:00] — When to Seek Help from an Accredited Professional
Why Veterans should work with VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, or VSOs to review results, identify rating errors, and submit medical evidence or independent opinions if METs results seem inaccurate.

[14:00] — Closing Thoughts
Leah wraps up with encouragement: understanding METs helps Veterans better interpret their C&P results and advocate for fair, accurate ratings for heart-related claims.

💡 Key Takeaways

• METs measure exercise tolerance — how much activity your body can perform before symptoms start.
• The lower your METs level, the more severe your condition and the higher your potential VA rating.
• METs results are often paired with ejection fraction, lab results, and documented symptoms for total evaluation.
• Honesty and clear communication during exams are essential for accurate assessments.
• Working with accredited legal professionals and medical experts can ensure your METs data is interpreted correctly in your claim.

🧭 Resources Mentioned

• VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities — Cardiovascular System (38 CFR §4.104)
• VA Accreditation Search Tool: https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/

• Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting: https://prestigeveteranmctx.com/
• My HealtheVet: https://www.myhealth.va.gov/

📞 Connect with Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting

Visit https://prestigeveteranmctx.com/to learn more about independent, evidence-based medical opinions and record reviews for Veterans and their attorneys.