Pericarditis

DC 7002Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7002

Swelling and irritation of the thin sac (pericardium) that surrounds the heart. The VA rates pericarditis using the standard heart rating formula based on your workload capacity measured in METs (metabolic equivalents), ejection fraction, and whether you have 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 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 ongoing congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less causing symptoms, or your heart pumps at less than 30 percent of normal (ejection fraction).

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Severe functional limitation
Constrictive pericarditis with hemodynamic compromise

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an exercise stress test or METs estimation — the VA rating depends on your measured workload capacity. If you cannot exercise, the examiner can estimate METs based on your reported daily activities.
⚠Not documenting recurrent episodes — pericarditis often comes back. Keep records of every flare-up, ER visit, and hospitalization because chronic or recurrent pericarditis supports a higher rating.
⚠Not requesting an echocardiogram to check for constrictive pericarditis — this complication causes the sac around the heart to thicken and stiffen, which can severely limit heart function and support a higher rating.
⚠Not connecting pericarditis to in-service infections, chest trauma, or autoimmune conditions that may have started during military service.
⚠Failing to report all symptoms during the C&P exam — chest pain, shortness of breath when lying flat, and exercise intolerance should all be described honestly to the examiner.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Heart Conditions

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Pericarditis or rated under the same body system.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

DC 7101·Cardiovascular

Coronary Artery Disease

DC 7005·Cardiovascular

Cardiac Arrhythmia

DC 7010·Cardiovascular

Heart Valve Disease

DC 7000·Cardiovascular

Peripheral Vascular Disease

DC 7114·Cardiovascular

Cardiomyopathy

DC 7020·Cardiovascular

Congestive Heart Failure

DC 7019·Cardiovascular

Varicose Veins

DC 7120·Cardiovascular

Condition Rating Guides

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

Pericarditis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7002

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have ongoing congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less causing symptoms, or your heart pumps at less than 30 percent of normal (ejection fraction).

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Severe functional limitation
Constrictive pericarditis with hemodynamic compromise

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an exercise stress test or METs estimation — the VA rating depends on your measured workload capacity. If you cannot exercise, the examiner can estimate METs based on your reported daily activities.

⚠Not documenting recurrent episodes — pericarditis often comes back. Keep records of every flare-up, ER visit, and hospitalization because chronic or recurrent pericarditis supports a higher rating.

⚠Not requesting an echocardiogram to check for constrictive pericarditis — this complication causes the sac around the heart to thicken and stiffen, which can severely limit heart function and support a higher rating.

⚠Not connecting pericarditis to in-service infections, chest trauma, or autoimmune conditions that may have started during military service.

⚠Failing to report all symptoms during the C&P exam — chest pain, shortness of breath when lying flat, and exercise intolerance should all be described honestly to the examiner.