Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Residuals

DC 7020Gynecological/Breast38 CFR 4.104, DC 7020

Heart muscle weakness that develops during the last month of pregnancy or within five months after delivery. Even after the heart recovers, some women have lasting damage that limits their ability to exercise and do daily tasks. The VA rates peripartum cardiomyopathy based on heart function measurements like ejection fraction and exercise capacity.

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 7020

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7020. 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 severe heart dysfunction with chronic congestive heart failure, very limited exercise capacity, or an LVEF below 30%. You cannot perform most daily activities without symptoms.

What the VA looks for

LVEF less than 30% on echocardiogram
Exercise stress test showing workload of 3 METs or less
Chronic congestive heart failure requiring ongoing treatment
Unable to perform most daily activities without symptoms
Implantable cardiac defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization device

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing the peripartum event in service records — ensure the pregnancy, delivery, and cardiac diagnosis are all documented in military treatment records before separation.
⚠Failing to get regular echocardiograms — LVEF measurements are the primary evidence for rating, and tracking changes over time shows disease progression or recovery.
⚠Not requesting an exercise stress test with METs estimation — the VA uses METs levels directly for cardiac ratings, and interview-based METs estimates may undercount your limitation.
⚠Assuming full recovery means no rating — even with normal LVEF, continuous cardiac medication or risk of recurrence supports at least a 10% rating.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — fatigue, exercise intolerance, depression, and anxiety are commonly caused by cardiomyopathy.

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…

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7020

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe heart dysfunction with chronic congestive heart failure, very limited exercise capacity, or an LVEF below 30%. You cannot perform most daily activities without symptoms.

What the VA looks for

LVEF less than 30% on echocardiogram
Exercise stress test showing workload of 3 METs or less
Chronic congestive heart failure requiring ongoing treatment
Unable to perform most daily activities without symptoms
Implantable cardiac defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization device

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing the peripartum event in service records — ensure the pregnancy, delivery, and cardiac diagnosis are all documented in military treatment records before separation.

⚠Failing to get regular echocardiograms — LVEF measurements are the primary evidence for rating, and tracking changes over time shows disease progression or recovery.

⚠Not requesting an exercise stress test with METs estimation — the VA uses METs levels directly for cardiac ratings, and interview-based METs estimates may undercount your limitation.

⚠Assuming full recovery means no rating — even with normal LVEF, continuous cardiac medication or risk of recurrence supports at least a 10% rating.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — fatigue, exercise intolerance, depression, and anxiety are commonly caused by cardiomyopathy.