Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is rated under DC 7020 using the basic heart condition METs schedule. This condition involves the heart muscle becoming enlarged, thickened, or stiff, which makes it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. As a basic heart condition, only one rating is allowed across all basic heart diagnoses.
VA Rating Levels
Workload of 7.1 to 10.0 METs causes symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting. Or continuous medication is required.
Workload of 5.1 to 7.0 METs causes symptoms. Or there is evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilation on EKG, echocardiogram, or X-ray.
Workload of 3.1 to 5.0 METs causes symptoms.
Workload of 3.0 METs or less causes symptoms, or there is chronic congestive heart failure.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →If your cardiomyopathy leads to congestive heart failure, that qualifies for a 100% rating. Make sure your medical records clearly document any CHF diagnosis.
- →Echocardiograms are key evidence here. They can show cardiac hypertrophy or dilation, which supports at least a 30% rating even if your METs test results are higher.
- →This falls under the basic heart schedule, so it cannot be rated separately from other basic heart conditions like CAD or valve disease.
- →Document how your condition affects daily life. If walking up a flight of stairs or doing light housework causes symptoms, that information matters for your METs evaluation.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.104, DC 7020