Diagnostic Code 7003 · 38 CFR §§4.104
Pericardial adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between the heart and the surrounding pericardial sac, or between the pericardium and nearby chest structures. These adhesions restrict the heart's normal movement, potentially reducing its ability to fill and pump effectively. In veterans, adhesions typically develop after cardiac surgery, chest trauma, radiation therapy, or following pericarditis episodes. The impact ranges from mild and asymptomatic to severe restriction of cardiac function.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 30% | |
| 10% |
Cardiac imaging (echocardiogram, CT, or MRI) showing pericardial adhesions, Surgical records if adhesions were discovered or treated during surgery, Exercise stress test or METs estimation documenting functional limitation, Documentation of the event that caused adhesion formation, Cardiology assessment of how adhesions affect cardiac function