Diagnostic Code 7020 · 38 CFR §4.104
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle itself that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. There are several types: dilated cardiomyopathy (the heart chambers enlarge and weaken), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (the heart muscle thickens abnormally), and restrictive cardiomyopathy (the heart muscle becomes stiff). Veterans may develop cardiomyopathy from toxic exposures during service, physical stress, infections, alcohol use, or other service-related causes. This condition can range from mild with few symptoms to severe heart failure requiring transplant.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 30% | |
| 10% |
Echocardiogram showing the type and severity of cardiomyopathy with ejection fraction measurement, Stress test results or METs estimation, Cardiac MRI if available, which can show scar tissue and detailed heart muscle condition, Cardiology records documenting the diagnosis and treatment history, Evidence linking the cardiomyopathy to service — toxic exposure records, infection history, or medical opinion, Pharmacy records showing heart failure medications, Any hospital records for heart failure episodes