{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Veterans Disability Nexus","title":"VA Ratings and METs Test Results | Cardiac Disability Explained for Veterans","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":453,"description":"METs and VA Disability Ratings — What Veterans Should Know About Heart ClaimsHosted by: Leah Bucholz, Founder & CEO of Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting🎧 Episode SummaryIn 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 METs100% 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...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/g6oyEKS_-qO8CTibH0yPIT34jFih5Gj-r7p0dxjFMOc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzM4NzYzLzE2Nzg1/NzI4MTMtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}