Myocarditis

DC 7000Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7000

Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium), which can weaken the heart and cause arrhythmias. May result from viral infections, toxic exposures, or autoimmune conditions encountered during military service. The VA rates myocarditis based on residual cardiac dysfunction after the acute phase.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 7000

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7000. 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 resulting in symptoms, or your left ventricular ejection fraction is less than 30 percent. During active infection, a 100% rating applies for three months while undergoing treatment.

What the VA looks for

Active myocarditis requiring extended treatment
Chronic congestive heart failure documented
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Cardiac MRI showing active inflammation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a cardiac MRI to document myocardial scarring — even after the acute infection resolves, cardiac MRI with late gadolinium enhancement can show permanent damage that supports a higher rating.
⚠Not preserving records from the acute phase of illness — troponin levels, inflammatory markers, and hospital records from the initial myocarditis episode are critical for establishing service connection.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions caused by myocarditis — arrhythmias, heart failure, and exercise intolerance that develop after myocarditis should be documented and claimed separately if applicable.

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…

Myocarditis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7000

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Active myocarditis requiring extended treatment
Chronic congestive heart failure documented
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Cardiac MRI showing active inflammation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a cardiac MRI to document myocardial scarring — even after the acute infection resolves, cardiac MRI with late gadolinium enhancement can show permanent damage that supports a higher rating.

⚠Not preserving records from the acute phase of illness — troponin levels, inflammatory markers, and hospital records from the initial myocarditis episode are critical for establishing service connection.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions caused by myocarditis — arrhythmias, heart failure, and exercise intolerance that develop after myocarditis should be documented and claimed separately if applicable.