VA Diagnostic Code 7009Bradycardia (Bradyarrhythmia), symptomatic, requiring permanent pacemaker implantation
A single 100% rating under § 4.104. Here is what the VA requires for it.
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- 100%
For one month following hospital discharge for implantation or re-implantation
General rating formula
General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- 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.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.104, diagnostic code 7009. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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