What are the VA rating percentages for Syncope (Fainting)?

Syncope (Fainting) (DC 7010) is rated at 30%, 10% under 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7010. Confirmed by ECG, with five or more treatment interventions per year

What rates 30% for Syncope (Fainting) under 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7010?

Under 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7010 (DC 7010), a 30% rating for Syncope (Fainting) requires: Confirmed by ECG, with five or more treatment interventions per year

What happens during a C&P exam for Syncope (Fainting)?

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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Syncope (Fainting)

Q: What rates 10% for Syncope (Fainting) under 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7010?

Under 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7010 (DC 7010), a 10% rating for Syncope (Fainting) requires: Confirmed by ECG, with one to four treatment interventions per year; or, confirmed by ECG with either continuous use of oral medications to control or use of vagal maneuvers to control

Q: What evidence do I need for a Syncope (Fainting) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Syncope (Fainting) 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 701038 C.F.R. § 4.104

Diagnostic Code

DC 7010

38 C.F.R. § 4.104

Rating Range

10–30%

2 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Syncope (Fainting) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7010 of 38 CFR § 4.104, DC 7010 across 2 severity tiers (30% / 10%). 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

Temporary loss of consciousness due to reduced blood flow to the brain, often related to cardiac causes

Rating Criteria

30%

Confirmed by ECG, with five or more treatment interventions per year

10%

Confirmed by ECG, with one to four treatment interventions per year; or, confirmed by ECG with either continuous use of oral medications to control or use of vagal maneuvers to control

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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