Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart that may affect heart valves and function.
During the active phase, medical records documenting an active endocarditis infection with cardiac involvement, along with treatment records showing when therapy began and ended, are central to supporting the 100% rating for that period.
After the three-month post-treatment window, confirming the diagnosis requires physical examination findings recorded by a clinician together with results from at least one of these tests: an echocardiogram, Doppler echocardiogram, or cardiac catheterization. For ratings under the General Rating Formula, exercise stress test results that identify the MET level at which your symptoms appear are the key evidence. If exercise testing cannot be done for medical reasons, a medical examiner can estimate your MET level based on specific activities, such as slow stair climbing, that bring on symptoms. Imaging studies such as an echocardiogram, multigated acquisition scan, or MRI that show cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation support the 30% level. Prescription records showing continuous medication is required support the 10% level. Statements from you or people who know you that describe how symptoms affect your work and daily activities can help connect your functional limits to the MET-based criteria.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
