Pericarditis
The VA rates Pericarditis under Diagnostic Code 7002 at a single 100% level. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Rating schedule — DC 7002 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 100%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 1
- CFR section
- § 4.104
- Body system
- Cardiovascular System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Pericarditis?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | During active infection with cardiac involvement and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection |
“During active infection with cardiac involvement and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection”
What other cardiovascular conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Pericarditis in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 7000Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease),Rated up to 100%
- 7001Endocarditis, orRated up to 100%
- 7005Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)Rated up to 100%
- 7006Myocardial infarctionRated up to 100%
- 7009Bradycardia (Bradyarrhythmia), symptomatic, requiring permanent pacemaker implantationRated up to 100%
- 7010Supraventricular tachycardiaRated up to 30%
- 7011Ventricular arrhythmias (sustained)Rated up to 100%
- 7016Heart valve replacement (prosthesis)Rated up to 100%
- 7017Coronary bypass surgeryRated up to 100%
- 7018Implantable cardiac pacemakersRated up to 100%
Common Questions About Pericarditis VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Pericarditis?
The VA rates Pericarditis under Diagnostic Code 7002 at 100%. The minimum 100% rating requires: During active infection with cardiac involvement and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection. The maximum 100% rating requires: During active infection with cardiac involvement and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Pericarditis?
The VA rates Pericarditis under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7002, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
Can Pericarditis qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Pericarditis alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Pericarditis?
The key evidence for Pericarditis is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Pericarditis?
The C&P examiner uses a Cardiovascular System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7002 rating criteria. Cardiac stress testing or METs estimation drives the rating. If you cannot exercise, the examiner estimates METs from interview. Be specific about what activities cause symptoms — stairs, walking distances, lifting limits.
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