Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

DC 7008Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7008

A condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. This can cause outflow obstruction, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death risk. The VA rates hypertrophic cardiomyopathy based on workload capacity in METs, left ventricular ejection fraction, and congestive heart failure.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 7008

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7008. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have chronic congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less with symptoms, or your left ventricular ejection fraction is less than 30 percent. Or you have an implantable defibrillator (ICD) in place for sudden death prevention.

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in place
Septal myectomy or alcohol ablation performed

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a comprehensive echocardiogram measuring septal thickness, outflow gradients, and ejection fraction — these objective measurements directly map to the rating criteria.
⚠Not documenting episodes of syncope or presyncope — fainting spells are common in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and indicate severity. Emergency visits for syncope should be thoroughly recorded.
⚠Not mentioning activity restrictions imposed by your cardiologist — if you have been told to avoid competitive sports, heavy lifting, or strenuous exercise, this demonstrates functional limitation.
⚠Not filing for an ICD-related rating if one has been implanted — the presence of an ICD for sudden death prevention qualifies for a 100% rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Heart Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7008

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in place
Septal myectomy or alcohol ablation performed

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a comprehensive echocardiogram measuring septal thickness, outflow gradients, and ejection fraction — these objective measurements directly map to the rating criteria.

⚠Not documenting episodes of syncope or presyncope — fainting spells are common in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and indicate severity. Emergency visits for syncope should be thoroughly recorded.

⚠Not mentioning activity restrictions imposed by your cardiologist — if you have been told to avoid competitive sports, heavy lifting, or strenuous exercise, this demonstrates functional limitation.

⚠Not filing for an ICD-related rating if one has been implanted — the presence of an ICD for sudden death prevention qualifies for a 100% rating.