---
title: "DC 7020 - Cardiomyopathy."
diagnostic_code: "7020"
body_system: "Cardiovascular System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.104"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/cardiovascular/7020-cardiomyopathy"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.104"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:46:00.893071Z"
---

# DC 7020 - Cardiomyopathy.

Rated under § 4.104. Body system: Cardiovascular System.

General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms |
| 60% | Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms |
| 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) |
| 10% | Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control |

# Cardiomyopathy (VA Diagnostic Code 7020)

*Cardiovascular System · 38 CFR § 4.104*

## Understanding Cardiomyopathy and How the VA Rates It

Cardiomyopathy is a condition affecting the heart muscle. Under the VA rating schedule, it is evaluated using **Diagnostic Code 7020** within the **General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart**.

A key measure the VA uses for heart conditions is the **MET** (metabolic equivalent). METs describe how much physical exertion a person can perform before experiencing symptoms of heart failure. A lower MET level generally reflects a greater limitation. In some cases, the VA also considers findings from imaging tests or the need for ongoing medication.

## Available Rating Levels

Cardiomyopathy may be assigned one of the following disability ratings based on the specific criteria met:

| Rating | Criteria |
|--------|----------|
| **100%** | Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms |
| **60%** | Workload of 3.1–5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms |
| **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) |
| **10%** | Workload of 7.1–10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; **or** continuous medication required for control |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating cardiomyopathy under Diagnostic Code 7020, the VA considers:

- **Workload measured in METs** — the level of physical exertion at which heart failure symptoms appear. Lower MET thresholds correspond to higher rating levels.
- **Imaging evidence** — findings of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by an echocardiogram or equivalent test, such as a multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can support a 30% rating.
- **Medication requirements** — whether continuous medication is required to control the condition, which is relevant to the 10% rating level.

*This information is provided for general educational purposes and is based solely on the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 7020. It is not medical or legal advice, and it does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.104