Chronic Pericardial Effusion

DC 7002Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7002

A condition where fluid builds up around the heart in the pericardial sac. This can put pressure on the heart and make it harder to pump blood. The VA rates chronic pericardial effusion based on your heart workload capacity, whether you need ongoing treatment, and whether you have heart failure.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 7002

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7002. 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 from constrictive pericarditis, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less, or your ejection fraction is less than 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure from pericardial disease
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Constrictive pericarditis on imaging
Pericardiectomy surgery records

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting regular echocardiograms to document the size of the effusion over time — the VA needs serial imaging to confirm the condition is chronic and not a one-time event.
⚠Not documenting pericardiocentesis (drainage) procedures — if fluid has been drained from around your heart, those records strongly support a higher rating and show the condition requires intervention.
⚠Not connecting pericardial effusion to service-connected conditions — pericardial effusion can be secondary to autoimmune conditions, infections, or chest trauma sustained during service.
⚠Not reporting symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath when lying flat, and exercise intolerance — these functional limitations directly affect the METs-based rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Heart Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Chronic Pericardial Effusion

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7002

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have chronic congestive heart failure from constrictive pericarditis, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less, or your ejection fraction is less than 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure from pericardial disease
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Constrictive pericarditis on imaging
Pericardiectomy surgery records

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting regular echocardiograms to document the size of the effusion over time — the VA needs serial imaging to confirm the condition is chronic and not a one-time event.

⚠Not documenting pericardiocentesis (drainage) procedures — if fluid has been drained from around your heart, those records strongly support a higher rating and show the condition requires intervention.

⚠Not connecting pericardial effusion to service-connected conditions — pericardial effusion can be secondary to autoimmune conditions, infections, or chest trauma sustained during service.

⚠Not reporting symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath when lying flat, and exercise intolerance — these functional limitations directly affect the METs-based rating.