Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 7020: Cardiomyopathy Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.104
- Rating range
- 10% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Cardiovascular system
The VA rates Cardiomyopathy under diagnostic code 7020 in 38 CFR § 4.104. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 7020 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control What raters look forheart failure symptoms at 7.1-10.0 METs; continuous medication required for control |
| 30% | Workload of 5.1-7.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalent (e.g., multigated acquisition scan or magnetic resonance imaging) What raters look forheart failure symptoms at 5.1-7.0 METs; cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalent |
| 60% | Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms What raters look forheart failure symptoms at 3.1-5.0 METs |
| 100% | Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms What raters look forheart failure symptoms at 3.0 METs or less |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Cardiomyopathy. The Cardiomyopathy condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 7020?
Diagnostic code 7020 is the VA rating schedule entry for Cardiomyopathy, found in 38 CFR § 4.104. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 7020?
DC 7020 provides ratings of 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 7020 require?
The 100% rating for Cardiomyopathy requires: Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms.
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