Heart arrhythmias, commonly described as irregular heart rhythms, can significantly disrupt daily life. For many veterans, these conditions are tied to service-related stress, environmental exposures, physical trauma, or secondary conditions such as hypertension or sleep apnea. When arrhythmias limit stamina, cause dizziness, or interfere with employment, VA disability compensation may be available.
This in-depth guide explains how the VA rates heart arrhythmias, which diagnostic codes apply, what rating levels you can expect, how to establish service connection, and how to prepare for the VA claims and C&P exam process.
What Is Heart Arrhythmia?
Heart arrhythmia occurs when the heart’s electrical system does not function properly, causing the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. These abnormal rhythms can interfere with blood flow to vital organs and may worsen over time if left untreated.
“Heart arrhythmias disrupt the heart’s ability to pump efficiently, often leading to fatigue, dizziness, and reduced exercise tolerance,” explained by a VA cardiology examiner.
Common Symptoms of Heart Arrhythmia
Veterans with arrhythmias may experience:
- Fluttering, pounding, or racing sensations in the chest
- Abnormally fast or slow heartbeat
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath, especially during exertion
- Lightheadedness, fainting, or chronic fatigue
Symptoms can be intermittent or constant, and even mild arrhythmias can become dangerous when combined with stress or physical activity.
Types of Heart Arrhythmias
Heart arrhythmias are broadly divided based on heart rate speed.
Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate)
Tachycardia occurs when the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute at rest. It is common among veterans exposed to prolonged stress or combat conditions.
Common forms include:
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Atrial flutter
- Supraventricular tachycardia
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Ventricular tachycardia
“Veterans with tachycardia often describe sudden episodes triggered by stress, exertion, or even rest,” noted by a VA medical reviewer.
Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)
Bradycardia occurs when the heart beats fewer than 60 beats per minute. While some athletes naturally have lower heart rates, pathologic bradycardia can cause serious symptoms.
Common examples include:
- Sick sinus syndrome
- Conduction block
Both tachycardia and bradycardia may qualify for VA disability compensation when service-connected.
VA Disability Ratings for Heart Arrhythmias
VA disability ratings for heart arrhythmias generally range from 10% to 100%, depending on severity, symptoms, treatment requirements, and functional limitations.
The VA evaluates arrhythmias under multiple diagnostic codes within the cardiovascular rating schedule.
Bradycardia — Diagnostic Code 7009
- 100% for one month following hospital discharge for implantation or re-implantation of a cardiac device such as a pacemaker
After this temporary period, the VA re-evaluates the condition based on residual symptoms and device dependence.
Supraventricular Tachycardia — Diagnostic Code 7010
- 30%:
- Confirmed by ECG, with five or more treatment interventions per year
- 10%:
- One to four treatment interventions per year, or
- Continuous oral medication required, or
- Use of vagal maneuvers for symptom control
“The frequency of medical intervention is a major factor in determining ratings under Diagnostic Code 7010,” explained by a VA rating specialist.
Ventricular Arrhythmias (Sustained) — Diagnostic Code 7011
- 100% if any of the following apply:
- Inpatient hospital admission for initial medical therapy
- Ventricular aneurysmectomy
- Automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) in place
This rating can be indefinite while the AICD remains implanted.
“The presence of an AICD almost always results in a 100% evaluation due to the risk of sudden cardiac events,” explained by a VA C&P examiner.
Note: If a pacemaker is implanted instead of an AICD, the VA usually rates the condition under Diagnostic Code 7018.
General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart
When an arrhythmia does not fit neatly under one diagnostic code, the VA applies the General Rating Formula, which relies heavily on METs testing (Metabolic Equivalent of Task).
General Rating Levels
- 100%:
- Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms
- 60%:
- Workload of 3.1–5.0 METs results in symptoms
- 30%:
- Workload of 5.1–7.0 METs, or
- Evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilation confirmed by imaging
- 10%:
- Workload of 7.1–10.0 METs, or
- Continuous medication required
“METs testing provides an objective way to measure how heart conditions limit physical activity,” said by a VA cardiology examiner.
What VA Rating Should You Expect?
Your expected VA rating depends on:
- Type of arrhythmia
- Frequency of treatment or hospitalization
- METs workload limitations
- Presence of implanted cardiac devices
- Impact on work and daily functioning
For example, a veteran diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia requiring five interventions per year will likely receive a 30% rating, while a veteran with an implanted defibrillator may qualify for 100%.
Establishing Service Connection for Heart Arrhythmia
Before the VA assigns a rating, you must prove service connection. This requires three elements:
- A current medical diagnosis of heart arrhythmia
- An in-service event, illness, or exposure that caused or aggravated the condition
- A medical nexus linking the arrhythmia to military service
“A strong nexus opinion often makes the difference between denial and approval,” explained by a VA-accredited claims professional.
Arrhythmias may also be service-connected secondarily, such as from hypertension, PTSD, sleep apnea, or medication side effects.
Importance of Medical Evidence
Medical evidence is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.
Helpful evidence includes:
- VA and private cardiology records
- ECGs, echocardiograms, stress tests
- Hospital admission records
- Nexus letters from cardiologists
- Personal and buddy statements describing symptoms
“Consistent medical documentation showing symptom progression is critical in heart-related claims,” explained by a VA reviewer.
C&P Exam for Heart Arrhythmias
Most veterans will attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam.
The examiner evaluates:
- Confirmation of diagnosis
- Service connection or aggravation
- METs workload
- Severity and frequency of symptoms
- Functional impact on employment and daily life
“The C&P exam is designed to capture how the heart condition affects the veteran on their worst days,” explained by a VA examiner.
Preparing a symptom diary and listing work limitations can significantly help.
How to File a VA Claim?
You can file a VA disability claim:
- Online via VA.gov (fastest)
- By mail, fax, or in person using VA Form 21-526EZ
Filing an Intent to File preserves your effective date while you gather evidence.
As of mid-2024, average VA processing time was about 151 days, but earlier filing can protect months of back pay.
Final Thought
Heart arrhythmias can significantly limit a veteran’s quality of life and ability to work, but VA disability compensation is available when these conditions are properly documented and service-connected.
Understanding diagnostic codes, METs testing, and the importance of strong medical evidence puts you in the best position for approval.
You served your country. Make sure you receive the benefits you earned.
FAQs
What is the VA rating for atrial fibrillation (AFib)?
AFib is rated under Diagnostic Code 7010 at 10% or 30%, depending on treatment frequency.
Is there a VA disability rating for palpitations?
Yes. Palpitations are rated based on the underlying arrhythmia and can range from 10% to 100%.
Do I need a C&P exam for heart arrhythmia?
In most cases, yes. The exam confirms diagnosis, severity, and service connection.
