38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.104

Endocarditis — VA Diagnostic Code 7001

Cardiovascular

Diagnostic code

7001

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38 CFR § 4.104 prints one block for “7000 Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease), 7001 Endocarditis, or 7002 Pericarditis.” During active infection with cardiac involvement, and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection, the rating is 100. Thereafter, when the diagnosis is confirmed as that sentence requires, the schedule says to use the General Rating Formula. Section 3.309(a) lists “Endocarditis” and says this term covers all forms of valvular heart disease.

Reviewed 2026-10-05. Text checked against the eCFR versioner full-text XML for 2026-10-01 on 2026-10-05. Title 38 was up to date as of 2026-10-01 and last amended on 2026-08-27. The § 4.104 source note prints 62 FR 65219, Dec. 11, 1997, as amended at 63 FR 37779, July 14, 1998; 71 FR 52460, Sept. 6, 2006; 79 FR 2100, Jan. 13, 2014; 82 FR 50804, Nov. 2, 2017; 86 FR 54093, Sept. 30, 2021; 86 FR 62095, Nov. 9, 2021. The § 4.100 source note prints 71 FR 52460, Sept. 6, 2006, as amended at 86 FR 54093, Sept. 30, 2021; 86 FR 67654, Nov. 29, 2021.

The rating criteria at each level

DC 7000, DC 7001, or DC 7002

Rating %: 100

Criteria (verbatim). During active infection with cardiac involvement and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection

Rating %: —

Criteria (verbatim). Thereafter, with diagnosis confirmed by findings on physical examination and either echocardiogram, Doppler echocardiogram, or cardiac catheterization, use the General Rating Formula.

Rating %	Criteria (verbatim)
100	During active infection with cardiac involvement and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection
—	Thereafter, with diagnosis confirmed by findings on physical examination and either echocardiogram, Doppler echocardiogram, or cardiac catheterization, use the General Rating Formula.

General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart

Rating %: 100

Criteria (verbatim). Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms

Rating %: 60

Criteria (verbatim). Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms

Rating %: 30

Criteria (verbatim). Workload of 5.1-7.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalent (e.g., multigated acquisition scan or magnetic resonance imaging)

Rating %: 10

Criteria (verbatim). Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control

Rating %	Criteria (verbatim)
100	Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms
60	Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms
30	Workload of 5.1-7.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalent (e.g., multigated acquisition scan or magnetic resonance imaging)
10	Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control

Note (1): Evaluate cor pulmonale, which is a form of secondary heart disease, as part of the pulmonary condition that causes it.

Note (2): One MET (metabolic equivalent) is the energy cost of standing quietly at rest and represents an oxygen uptake of 3.5 milliliters per kilogram of body weight per minute. When the level of METs at which breathlessness, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope develops is required for evaluation, and a laboratory determination of METs by exercise testing cannot be done for medical reasons, a medical examiner may estimate the level of activity (expressed in METs and supported by specific examples, such as slow stair climbing or shoveling snow) that results in those symptoms.

Note (3): For this general formula, heart failure symptoms include, but are not limited to, breathlessness, fatigue, angina, dizziness, arrhythmia, palpitations, or syncope.

The Diseases of the Heart caption in 38 CFR § 4.104 is in brackets: “Unless otherwise directed, use this general rating formula to evaluate diseases of the heart.” The 7000, 7001, or 7002 block directs a 100 percent evaluation for the active-infection period. The thereafter sentence is the direction to use the General Rating Formula, and it requires the diagnosis to be confirmed by findings on physical examination and either echocardiogram, Doppler echocardiogram, or cardiac catheterization.

The formula does not print a 0 percent line. 38 CFR § 4.31 says: “In every instance where the schedule does not provide a zero percent evaluation for a diagnostic code, a zero percent evaluation shall be assigned when the requirements for a compensable evaluation are not met.” 38 CFR § 4.7 assigns the higher rating when the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating. Otherwise, the lower rating will be assigned. 38 CFR § 4.6 requires each element affecting the evidence to be studied so that decisions will be equitable and just.

38 CFR § 4.100(a) says whether or not cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation (documented by electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, or X-ray) is present and whether or not there is a need for continuous medication must be ascertained in all cases. Paragraph (b) says that even if the requirement for a 10% (based on the need for continuous medication) or 30% (based on the presence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation) evaluation is met, METs testing is required in all cases except when there is a medical contraindication, or when a 100% evaluation can be assigned on another basis. The active-infection line is a 100 percent evaluation printed on this block. Section 4.100 does not name DC 7001.

The 30 percent formula line confirms hypertrophy or dilatation by echocardiogram or equivalent, for example a multigated acquisition scan or magnetic resonance imaging. Section 4.100(a) names electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, or X-ray. Those are different sentences.

Source: 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Codes 7000, 7001, and 7002, and the General Rating Formula, and 38 CFR § 4.100, eCFR full-text XML for 2026-10-01.

What the words mean in your records

One block, joined by “or”

The schedule prints “7000 Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease), 7001 Endocarditis, or 7002 Pericarditis.” DC 7000 is the valvular title. DC 7002 is pericarditis. The percentage lines are not three separate ladders.

The parenthetical covers valvular heart disease

Section 3.309(a) says “Endocarditis. (This term covers all forms of valvular heart disease.)” The schedule title at DC 7000 is “Valvular heart disease (including rheumatic heart disease).” Section 3.309(a) also lists “Myocarditis” as its own name. The 2026-10-01 text of § 4.104 does not contain the word myocarditis. Pericarditis is in the rating block and is not a § 3.309(a) name.

Thereafter uses the formula only with the confirmation the sentence names

The thereafter line requires findings on physical examination and either echocardiogram, Doppler echocardiogram, or cardiac catheterization. The formula’s 100 percent line is workload of 3.0 METs or less resulting in heart failure symptoms. That is a different 100 percent from the active-infection line.

Evidence that speaks to each level

100 — active infection with cardiac involvement

What the rater needs to see. Active infection with cardiac involvement, and the three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection. Both parts are in the same 100 percent line.

Where that usually lives. The infection record, the cardiac involvement, and the date therapy for the active infection stopped.

Thereafter — General Rating Formula

What the rater needs to see. Diagnosis confirmed by findings on physical examination and either echocardiogram, Doppler echocardiogram, or cardiac catheterization, then one of the MET lines or the hypertrophy, dilatation, or continuous-medication alternatives.

Where that usually lives. The confirming study named in the thereafter sentence, and the MET or medication findings the formula line uses.

Level	What the rater needs to see	Where that usually lives
100 — active infection with cardiac involvement	Active infection with cardiac involvement, and the three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection. Both parts are in the same 100 percent line.	The infection record, the cardiac involvement, and the date therapy for the active infection stopped.
Thereafter — General Rating Formula	Diagnosis confirmed by findings on physical examination and either echocardiogram, Doppler echocardiogram, or cardiac catheterization, then one of the MET lines or the hypertrophy, dilatation, or continuous-medication alternatives.	The confirming study named in the thereafter sentence, and the MET or medication findings the formula line uses.

VA’s public DBQ list, checked October 5, 2026, names “Heart Conditions” under Cardiovascular. The file is Heart Conditions.

The exam form

The schedule text is the active-infection line, the thereafter sentence, and the General Rating Formula, including Notes (1) through (3). This page does not say the form replaces that text.

Related codes and how they interact

Arteriosclerotic heart disease is a different code

DC 7005 is arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease). Its note says that if non-service-connected arteriosclerotic heart disease is superimposed on service-connected valvular or other non-arteriosclerotic heart disease, a medical opinion is requested as to which condition is causing the current signs and symptoms. That note is printed under DC 7005. It is not printed under DC 7001.

Secondary conditions and presumptions

Section 3.309(a) lists “Endocarditis” and, in parentheses, “This term covers all forms of valvular heart disease.” 38 CFR § 3.309(a) says the following diseases shall be granted service connection although not otherwise established as incurred in or aggravated by service if manifested to a compensable degree within the applicable time limits under § 3.307 following service in a period of war or following peacetime service on or after January 1, 1947, provided the rebuttable presumption provisions of § 3.307 are also satisfied. 38 CFR § 3.307(a) says no condition other than one listed in § 3.309(a) will be considered chronic. 38 CFR § 3.307(a)(1) says the veteran must have served 90 days or more during a war period or after December 31, 1946. 38 CFR § 3.307(a)(3) says the disease must have become manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more within 1 year (for Hansen's disease (leprosy) and tuberculosis, within 3 years; multiple sclerosis, within 7 years) from the date of separation from service as specified in paragraph (a)(2). The longer periods do not name endocarditis.

38 CFR § 3.308(a) says there is no provision for presumptive service connection for chronic disease as distinguished from tropical diseases referred to in paragraph (b) of this section based on peacetime service before January 1, 1947.

The 2026-10-01 text of 38 CFR § 3.309(b) does not name endocarditis. 38 CFR § 3.309(c) does not name endocarditis. 38 CFR § 3.309(d) does not name endocarditis. 38 CFR § 3.309(e) does not name endocarditis. 38 CFR § 3.309(f) does not name endocarditis. 38 CFR § 3.316 does not name endocarditis. 38 CFR § 3.320 does not name endocarditis. 38 CFR § 3.320a does not name endocarditis. 38 CFR § 3.320b does not name endocarditis. Paragraph (c)(2) of 38 CFR § 3.317 lists Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) as an infectious disease. It does not list endocarditis as one of those diseases. Paragraph (d)(1) points to long-term health effects that potentially are associated with the infectious diseases listed in paragraph (c)(2). The table to § 3.317 lists “Endocarditis” under Coxiella burnetii (Q fever). That table is not § 3.309(a).

A separate question, when a presumption does not decide it, is a medical question on the facts under 38 CFR § 3.310. Paragraph (a) covers disability proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury. Paragraph (b) covers increase in severity and requires a medical baseline.

Short answers

What is the VA rating for DC 7001?

Under 38 CFR § 4.104, endocarditis is rated with valvular heart disease and pericarditis: 100 percent during active infection with cardiac involvement and for three months following cessation of therapy for the active infection. Thereafter, when the diagnosis is confirmed by physical examination and either echocardiogram, Doppler echocardiogram, or cardiac catheterization, the General Rating Formula applies. Education only. VA decides on the evidence.

Is endocarditis a chronic disease under § 3.309(a)?

Yes. Section 3.309(a) lists “Endocarditis” and says this term covers all forms of valvular heart disease. Section 3.307(a)(3) uses one year from separation for that listing. Section 3.309(e) does not name endocarditis.

FAQ

How does VA rate endocarditis under DC 7001?

DC 7000, DC 7001, and DC 7002 share one block. Active infection with cardiac involvement, and the three months after therapy for that infection stops, is 100 percent. Thereafter, with the diagnosis confirmed by physical examination and either echocardiogram, Doppler echocardiogram, or cardiac catheterization, the schedule uses the General Rating Formula. Education only.

What does “this term covers all forms of valvular heart disease” mean in the list?

Those words are the parenthetical printed after “Endocarditis” in § 3.309(a). The schedule title for valvular heart disease, including rheumatic heart disease, is DC 7000. DC 7000 is in the same rating block as DC 7001. Myocarditis is a separate name in § 3.309(a), and § 4.104 does not use that word.

Is endocarditis a Q fever presumption and a chronic-disease presumption?

Section 3.309(a) lists endocarditis on the § 3.307(a)(3) time limit. Section 3.317(c)(2) lists Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), not endocarditis, as the infectious disease. The table to § 3.317 lists endocarditis as a long-term health effect potentially associated with Q fever. Those are different sentences.

What are the MET lines after the active-infection period?

Workload of 3.0 METs or less resulting in heart failure symptoms is 100 percent. Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs is 60 percent. Workload of 5.1-7.0 METs, or cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalent, is 30 percent. Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs, or continuous medication required for control, is 10 percent. Note (3) lists heart failure symptoms and says the list is not limited to those examples.

Next steps

Read the decision for DC 7000, 7001, or 7002, the date therapy for the active infection stopped, and which General Rating Formula line was used thereafter.
The free worksheet is a place to write the code, the findings, and the records you already have. It does not file a claim or protect a filing date. An accredited representative is at find a VSO.
Other cardiovascular codes are on the cardiovascular diagnostic-code index. The category page is cardiovascular conditions.

Education only. Not legal or medical advice. My Claim Packet is not a VA-accredited representative and does not file claims. VA decides every claim on its own evidence.

Other codes in this body system

Nearby catalog entries in Cardiovascular, ordered by diagnostic code number. All Cardiovascular codes

Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.

Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 7001 • va.gov

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This page provides general educational information based on public VA regulations and VA.gov resources. It is not legal or medical advice, and My Claim Packet is not a VA-accredited representative. Any worksheets or draft documents produced by the tools must be reviewed for accuracy and are not filed with VA for you. Ratings and service connection are decided case-by-case from the individual record. Consult a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, attorney, or qualified clinician for help with your situation, and verify current rules using the linked official source.