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Evidence checklist

Cardiomyopathy

DC 702038 CFR § 4.104Cardiovascular

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 4 collected
Echocardiogram with ejection fraction (EF%)Critical

Echocardiography documents chamber dilation, wall motion and diastolic function. Cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed on it is its own route to 30% under the General Rating Formula. Ejection fraction was removed from the General Rating Formula when 38 CFR 4.104 was amended effective November 2021 and no longer sets a percentage. What the echocardiogram still establishes is cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation, which is its own route to 30% with no METs score needed.

Private provider · independent opinion
Exercise stress test with METs estimationCritical

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing or standard stress test documenting peak exercise capacity in METs. METs are the primary rating driver under the General Heart Formula.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking cardiomyopathy to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting cardiomyopathy to service-related causes: toxic exposure (Agent Orange, burn pits), alcohol use during service, viral illness during service, or service-connected hypertension.

Private provider · independent opinion
Cardiac MRI (if performed)

Cardiac MRI provides detailed assessment of myocardial tissue, fibrosis, and EF when echocardiography is inconclusive.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 1 collected
Ongoing cardiology records documenting functional class

Serial cardiology records showing NYHA functional class, symptom progression (dyspnea, edema, orthopnea), and treatment changes over time.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Heart ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing EF, METs, NYHA class, and functional limitations from cardiomyopathy.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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