---
title: "DC 7018 - Implantable cardiac pacemakers"
diagnostic_code: "7018"
body_system: "Cardiovascular System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.104"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/cardiovascular/7018-implantable-cardiac-pacemakers"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.104"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:45:21.610674Z"
---

# DC 7018 - Implantable cardiac pacemakers

Rated under § 4.104. Body system: Cardiovascular System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | For one month following hospital discharge for implantation or re-implantation |
| 10% | Thereafter: Evaluate as supraventricular tachycardia (DC 7010), ventricular arrhythmias (DC 7011), or atrioventricular block (DC 7015). Minimum |

## Notes

- Note: Evaluate automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (AICDs) under DC 7011.

# Implantable Cardiac Pacemakers (VA Diagnostic Code 7018)

*Cardiovascular System · 38 CFR § 4.104 · Diagnostic Code 7018*

## What This Condition Is

An implantable cardiac pacemaker is a device placed in the body to help regulate the heartbeat. Under the VA rating schedule, pacemakers are evaluated using Diagnostic Code 7018 within the Cardiovascular System section of the regulations (§ 4.104).

The VA recognizes that recovery immediately following the surgical implantation or re-implantation of a pacemaker requires a period of healing, and it accounts for that period separately from the ongoing evaluation of the underlying heart condition.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA uses the following rating structure for implantable cardiac pacemakers:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **100%** | Assigned for **one month following hospital discharge** for the implantation or re-implantation of the pacemaker. |
| **10% (minimum)** | Assigned **thereafter**. After the initial one-month period, the condition is evaluated as supraventricular tachycardia (DC 7010), ventricular arrhythmias (DC 7011), or atrioventricular block (DC 7015). A 10% rating serves as the minimum. |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating an implantable cardiac pacemaker under DC 7018, the VA considers:

- **The timing of hospital discharge.** The 100% rating applies for the one-month period following discharge for implantation or re-implantation.
- **The underlying heart rhythm condition after the initial recovery period.** After the first month, evaluation shifts to the applicable diagnostic code for the underlying condition — supraventricular tachycardia (DC 7010), ventricular arrhythmias (DC 7011), or atrioventricular block (DC 7015) — with 10% as the minimum rating.

## Important Note

- **Automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (AICDs)** are **not** evaluated under this code. They are rated under **DC 7011**.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule at 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7018. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any specific rating outcome. Individual evaluations depend on your medical evidence and the VA's review of your claim.*

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