VA Disability Rating for Atrioventricular Block (DC 7015)

Diagnostic Code 7015 · 38 CFR §4.104

What Is It?

Atrioventricular (AV) block is a condition where the electrical signals that coordinate the heartbeat are delayed or interrupted between the upper and lower chambers of the heart. There are three degrees: first-degree (mild delay), second-degree (some signals blocked), and third-degree or complete heart block (no signals get through). Depending on severity, AV block can cause fatigue, dizziness, fainting, or even cardiac arrest. Veterans may develop AV block from service-related heart damage, surgical complications, or conditions that affect the heart's electrical system. DC 7015 assigns no percentage of its own. Its entry in 38 CFR 4.104 has two branches and both rating cells are empty. Benign block — First-Degree, and Second-Degree, Type I — is evaluated under the General Rating Formula, whose four rows are set out below and which is scored on the workload in METs at which heart failure symptoms develop. Non-Benign block — Second-Degree, Type II and Third-Degree, which is complete heart block — is evaluated under DC 7018, implantable cardiac pacemakers. That is the branch a pacemaker sits on, and DC 7018 carries a minimum evaluation of 10 percent along with 100 percent for one month following hospital discharge for implantation or re-implantation. So which degree of block is documented decides not just how severe your condition is but which code you are rated under.

Rating Criteria

Evidence Needed

• EKG or Holter monitor results showing the type and degree of AV block
• Echocardiogram (or an equivalent such as a multigated acquisition scan or MRI) reporting cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation — that finding is the General Rating Formula’s 30 percent row
• Stress test results or METs estimation from your provider
• Records of pacemaker implantation if applicable
• Service medical records showing onset or worsening of the condition during service
• Cardiology treatment records documenting the history and progression

C&P Exam Tips

• Bring all EKG recordings and Holter monitor results that show your heart block
• If you have a pacemaker, bring records of the implant and any device checks
• Describe all symptoms clearly — dizziness, fainting episodes, exercise intolerance, fatigue
• Make sure the examiner documents the degree of your AV block, and for second-degree the type — the code splits on exactly that: First-Degree and Second-Degree, Type I take the General Rating Formula, while Second-Degree, Type II and Third-Degree go to DC 7018
• Report how the condition limits your daily activities and employment

How to File

File on VA Form 21-526EZ. Include your EKG results, cardiology records, and any pacemaker documentation. If the AV block was caused by another service-connected condition or military surgery, file as secondary with a nexus letter explaining the connection.

Common Mistakes

Submitting only a resting EKG that looks normal First-degree AV block may be intermittent. A 24-hour Holter monitor or event monitor can capture episodes that a single EKG might miss. Not reporting fainting episodes Syncope from heart block is a serious symptom. Document every episode including when, where, and whether you were injured during a fall. Overlooking which branch you are on Second-Degree block is two different things to this code: Type I is benign and takes the General Rating Formula, Type II is Non-Benign and goes to DC 7018, which carries a 10 percent minimum. Ask that the type, not just the degree, be recorded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does first-degree AV block qualify for a rating?

First-degree block is benign block, so it is evaluated under the General Rating Formula. That means it qualifies where a workload of 7.1 to 10.0 METs produces heart failure symptoms, or where continuous medication is required for control — the 10 percent row. Many first-degree cases are asymptomatic and require no medication, and 38 CFR 4.31 then assigns 0 percent.

If I have a pacemaker, what rating do I get?

A pacemaker moves you to DC 7018, which is where DC 7015 sends non-benign block — second-degree Type II and third-degree. DC 7018 assigns 100 percent for one month following hospital discharge for implantation or re-implantation, then evaluates the underlying rhythm disorder, with a minimum evaluation of 10 percent. So 10 percent is the floor once a pacemaker is in place under that code, and your evaluation above it depends on your remaining symptoms and exercise capacity.

Can AV block get worse over time?

Yes. First-degree block can progress to second or third degree. If your condition worsens, you can file for an increased rating with updated medical evidence.