Heart valve replacement

For the initial 100% period, hospital records confirming the date of admission for valve replacement surgery and the date of discharge are the key evidence.

For ratings under the General Rating Formula after the mandatory six-month examination, exercise stress test results that report the MET level at which you develop symptoms carry the most weight. If an exercise test cannot be done for medical reasons, a medical examiner may estimate the MET level based on specific activities, such as slow stair climbing, that bring on your symptoms. For a 30% rating based on structural changes rather than a MET threshold, an echocardiogram, multigated acquisition scan, or magnetic resonance imaging showing cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation is needed. For a 10% rating based on medication, records showing that continuous medication is required to control your heart condition support that level. Your own statements describing which everyday activities trigger breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, or other symptoms can help connect your reported experience to the MET criteria.