---
title: "DC 7009 - Bradycardia (Bradyarrhythmia), symptomatic, requiring permanent pacemaker implantation"
diagnostic_code: "7009"
body_system: "Cardiovascular System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.104"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/cardiovascular/7009-bradycardia-bradyarrhythmia-symptomatic-requiring-permanent"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.104"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:44:29.772626Z"
---

# DC 7009 - Bradycardia (Bradyarrhythmia), symptomatic, requiring permanent pacemaker implantation

Rated under § 4.104. Body system: Cardiovascular System.

General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | For one month following hospital discharge for implantation or re-implantation |

## Notes

- For DCs 7009, 7010, 7011, and 7015, a single evaluation will be assigned under the diagnostic code that reflects the predominant disability picture.
- Note (1): Bradycardia (bradyarrhythmia) refers to conduction abnormalities that produce a heart rate less than 60 beats/min. There are five general classes of bradyarrhythmia: Sinus bradycardia, including sinoatrial block; atrioventricular (AV) junctional (nodal) escape rhythm; AV heart block (second or third degree) or AV dissociation; atrial fibrillation or flutter with a slow ventricular response; and, idioventricular escape rhythm.
- Note (2): Asymptomatic bradycardia (bradyarrhythmia) is a medical finding only. It is not a disability subject to compensation.

# Symptomatic Bradycardia Requiring a Permanent Pacemaker (VA Diagnostic Code 7009)

**Understanding how the VA rates bradycardia (bradyarrhythmia) that requires a permanent pacemaker under 38 CFR § 4.104.**

## What Is This Condition?

Bradycardia (also called bradyarrhythmia) refers to conduction abnormalities that produce a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute. According to VA guidance, there are five general classes of bradyarrhythmia:

- **Sinus bradycardia**, including sinoatrial block
- **Atrioventricular (AV) junctional (nodal) escape rhythm**
- **AV heart block** (second or third degree) or AV dissociation
- **Atrial fibrillation or flutter** with a slow ventricular response
- **Idioventricular escape rhythm**

Diagnostic Code **7009** specifically addresses symptomatic bradycardia that requires **permanent pacemaker implantation**. It falls under the **Cardiovascular System** and is evaluated using the **General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart**.

> **Important:** Asymptomatic bradycardia (bradyarrhythmia) is considered a medical finding only. Per VA Note (2), it is *not* a disability subject to compensation.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **100%** | For one month following hospital discharge for implantation or re-implantation |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating this condition, the VA considers:

- Whether the bradycardia is **symptomatic** and required **permanent pacemaker implantation** (asymptomatic findings are not compensable).
- The **timing** related to hospital discharge — a 100% evaluation applies for one month following hospital discharge for pacemaker implantation or re-implantation.
- The **predominant disability picture**. For Diagnostic Codes 7009, 7010, 7011, and 7015, a single evaluation is assigned under the diagnostic code that best reflects the predominant disability picture.

Beyond this, evaluation is guided by the **General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart**.

---

*This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule (38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7009) and is provided for general educational purposes. It is not a prediction of any individual outcome or a substitute for professional or legal advice.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.104