Endocarditis

DC 7000Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7000

Infection of the heart’s inner lining or valves. Can cause permanent heart valve damage. The VA rates endocarditis based on residual heart function measured in METs (metabolic equivalents) and valve damage.

Rating Levels

You have chronic congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less resulting in symptoms, or your left ventricular ejection fraction is less than 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure documented
Workload of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Active infection requiring prolonged antimicrobial therapy
Permanent valve damage documented on echocardiogram

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting residual valve damage after the infection resolves — the rating is based on lasting cardiac impairment, so get a follow-up echocardiogram showing valve function after treatment.
⚠Not getting an echocardiogram showing ejection fraction and valve function — without objective cardiac testing, the VA cannot assign the proper rating based on METs and ejection fraction criteria.
⚠Not claiming secondary heart failure from valve damage — if endocarditis caused permanent valve damage that leads to heart failure, the progression should be documented and claimed.
⚠Connecting to IV drug use during service if applicable — the VA cannot deny a claim based on willful misconduct without a formal finding, so do not let this assumption prevent you from filing.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Heart Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Rating Levels

You have chronic congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less resulting in symptoms, or your left ventricular ejection fraction is less than 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure documented
Workload of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Active infection requiring prolonged antimicrobial therapy
Permanent valve damage documented on echocardiogram

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting residual valve damage after the infection resolves — the rating is based on lasting cardiac impairment, so get a follow-up echocardiogram showing valve function after treatment.

⚠Not getting an echocardiogram showing ejection fraction and valve function — without objective cardiac testing, the VA cannot assign the proper rating based on METs and ejection fraction criteria.

⚠Not claiming secondary heart failure from valve damage — if endocarditis caused permanent valve damage that leads to heart failure, the progression should be documented and claimed.

⚠Connecting to IV drug use during service if applicable — the VA cannot deny a claim based on willful misconduct without a formal finding, so do not let this assumption prevent you from filing.