Pericarditis — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7002)

The VA rates Pericarditis under Diagnostic Code 7002 at the following tiers: 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.

Diagnostic Code 7002 is the VA rating identifier for Pericarditis within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Pericarditis under DC 7002 is 100%. This tier requires: During active infection with cardiac involvement and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Pericarditis alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Pericarditis is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7002. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Pericarditis may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

Service connection for Pericarditis requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.