Diagnostic Code 7001 · 38 CFR §§4.104
Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, typically affecting the heart valves. Bacteria from other infections in the body can travel through the bloodstream and attach to damaged or abnormal heart valves. In veterans, endocarditis may develop from dental infections, surgical procedures, or intravenous drug use during or after service. The infection can destroy valve tissue, causing permanent valve dysfunction that requires lifelong management or surgical valve replacement. The VA rates both the active infection and the resulting valve damage.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 30% | |
| 10% |
Blood cultures confirming the endocarditis infection, Echocardiogram showing valve vegetations during infection and residual damage afterward, Hospital admission records for endocarditis treatment, Post-treatment cardiac function assessment including METs estimation, Documentation connecting the infection source to military service