Pericarditis

DC 7002Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7002

Swelling and irritation of the thin sac (pericardium) that surrounds the heart. The VA rates pericarditis using the standard heart rating formula based on your workload capacity measured in METs (metabolic equivalents), ejection fraction, and whether you have congestive heart failure.

Rating Levels

You have ongoing congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less causing symptoms, or your heart pumps at less than 30 percent of normal (ejection fraction).

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Severe functional limitation
Constrictive pericarditis with hemodynamic compromise

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an exercise stress test or METs estimation — the VA rating depends on your measured workload capacity. If you cannot exercise, the examiner can estimate METs based on your reported daily activities.
⚠Not documenting recurrent episodes — pericarditis often comes back. Keep records of every flare-up, ER visit, and hospitalization because chronic or recurrent pericarditis supports a higher rating.
⚠Not requesting an echocardiogram to check for constrictive pericarditis — this complication causes the sac around the heart to thicken and stiffen, which can severely limit heart function and support a higher rating.
⚠Not connecting pericarditis to in-service infections, chest trauma, or autoimmune conditions that may have started during military service.
⚠Failing to report all symptoms during the C&P exam — chest pain, shortness of breath when lying flat, and exercise intolerance should all be described honestly to the examiner.

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…

Pericarditis

Rating Levels

You have ongoing congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less causing symptoms, or your heart pumps at less than 30 percent of normal (ejection fraction).

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Severe functional limitation
Constrictive pericarditis with hemodynamic compromise

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an exercise stress test or METs estimation — the VA rating depends on your measured workload capacity. If you cannot exercise, the examiner can estimate METs based on your reported daily activities.

⚠Not documenting recurrent episodes — pericarditis often comes back. Keep records of every flare-up, ER visit, and hospitalization because chronic or recurrent pericarditis supports a higher rating.

⚠Not requesting an echocardiogram to check for constrictive pericarditis — this complication causes the sac around the heart to thicken and stiffen, which can severely limit heart function and support a higher rating.

⚠Not connecting pericarditis to in-service infections, chest trauma, or autoimmune conditions that may have started during military service.

⚠Failing to report all symptoms during the C&P exam — chest pain, shortness of breath when lying flat, and exercise intolerance should all be described honestly to the examiner.