Diagnostic Code 7010 · 38 CFR §4.104
Cardiac arrhythmia (also called dysrhythmia) is an abnormal heart rhythm — the heart may beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. The most common types in veterans include atrial fibrillation (AFib), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and ventricular arrhythmias. Symptoms can include palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fainting, and fatigue. Veterans may develop arrhythmias from cardiac damage caused by service-connected heart disease, hypertension, exposure to environmental toxins, blast injuries affecting the heart, or extreme physical stress during service. Some arrhythmias are managed with medication alone, while others require devices like pacemakers or implantable defibrillators.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Arrhythmia episodes occur infrequently (one to four times per year) as documented by EKG or Holter monitor. Symptoms are noticeable but manageable with medication. |
| 30% | Arrhythmia episodes occur frequently (more than four times per year) as documented by cardiac monitoring. Episodes cause significant symptoms and may require emergency treatment or cardioversion. Daily medication is required. |
| 100% | Sustained ventricular arrhythmias or arrhythmias requiring an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). If you have an ICD, the minimum rating is 100% for the first six months, then re-evaluated based on residual symptoms and device function. |
EKG or Holter monitor recordings documenting the arrhythmia are essential — the VA needs to see the abnormal rhythm captured on a tracing. Cardiology treatment records showing the diagnosis, medication management (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmics, blood thinners for AFib), and any procedures (cardioversion, ablation, pacemaker or ICD implantation) are important. If arrhythmia is secondary to service-connected heart disease, hypertension, or another condition, include a nexus opinion. ER records from symptomatic episodes strengthen the claim by documenting frequency and severity.
This is common since arrhythmias are intermittent. The examiner can base the rating on prior documentation — EKGs, Holter monitor results, ER records, and your reported symptom history. That is why it is critical to have prior episodes captured on medical records.
Yes. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) qualifies for a minimum 100% rating for the first six months after implantation, then re-evaluation. A pacemaker may qualify for a 100% or lower rating depending on the underlying condition. The device itself is evidence of a serious cardiac condition.
AFib is one type of arrhythmia — specifically, a fast and irregular rhythm originating in the upper chambers of the heart. It is rated under the same diagnostic code (DC 7010) as other arrhythmias. If AFib also requires blood thinner medication (like warfarin or a DOAC), mention that during your exam.