What happens during a C&P exam for Bradycardia?

Your rating turns on your METs level (38 CFR 4.104) - request an exercise stress test, or ask for an interview-based METs estimate (supported by examples like slow stair-climbing or shoveling snow) if you cannot exercise safely. Note (3) counts breathlessness, fatigue, angina, dizziness, arrhythmia, palpitations, or syncope as heart failure symptoms - describe exactly which ones develop and at what activity level.

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Bradycardia

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Bradycardia?

Bradycardia (DC 7009) is rated at 100% under 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7009. For one month following hospital discharge for implantation or re-implantation; thereafter, use the General Rating Formula for the cardiovascular system.

Q: What rates 100% for Bradycardia under 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7009?

Under 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7009 (DC 7009), a 100% rating for Bradycardia requires: For one month following hospital discharge for implantation or re-implantation; thereafter, use the General Rating Formula for the cardiovascular system.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Bradycardia VA claim?

Key evidence for a Bradycardia claim includes: Exercise stress test results, or an interview-based METs estimate when testing is medically contraindicated; Echocardiogram report showing ejection fraction (%) and any cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation; ECG/EKG, MUGA scan, or cardiac MRI confirming the cardiac diagnosis; Cardiology notes documenting heart failure symptoms and the workload at which they occur; Complete cardiac medication list, including any continuous medication required for control. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 700938 C.F.R. § 4.104

Diagnostic Code

DC 7009

38 C.F.R. § 4.104

Rating Range

100–100%

1 severity tier

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Bradycardia is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7009 of 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7009 across 1 severity tier (100%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Abnormally slow heart rate, typically below 60 beats per minute, potentially requiring a pacemaker

Rating Criteria

100%

For one month following hospital discharge for implantation or re-implantation; thereafter, use the General Rating Formula for the cardiovascular system.

Key Evidence

—Exercise stress test results, or an interview-based METs estimate when testing is medically contraindicated

—Echocardiogram report showing ejection fraction (%) and any cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation

—ECG/EKG, MUGA scan, or cardiac MRI confirming the cardiac diagnosis

—Cardiology notes documenting heart failure symptoms and the workload at which they occur

—Complete cardiac medication list, including any continuous medication required for control

—Hospital/ER records for any episodes of acute congestive heart failure in the past year

C&P Exam Tips

1Your rating turns on your METs level (38 CFR 4.104) - request an exercise stress test, or ask for an interview-based METs estimate (supported by examples like slow stair-climbing or shoveling snow) if you cannot exercise safely.

2Note (3) counts breathlessness, fatigue, angina, dizziness, arrhythmia, palpitations, or syncope as heart failure symptoms - describe exactly which ones develop and at what activity level.

3Ask whether an echocardiogram documents cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation; that finding alone supports a 30% evaluation under the General Rating Formula.

4Continuous medication required for control supports the 10% minimum - bring your full cardiac medication list and confirm it is on the exam record.

5If you have hypertension, it is rated separately (DC 7101) on diastolic/systolic readings confirmed two or more times on at least three different days - bring a blood-pressure log.

6Report your worst days and how chest symptoms limit work, stairs, and daily activity; do not minimize on exam day.

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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