VA Diagnostic Code 7020Cardiomyopathy.
Rated from 10% to 100% under § 4.104. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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What each rating requires
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- 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
General rating formula
General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart
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.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.104, diagnostic code 7020. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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