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Ventricular arrhythmias (sustained)
Diagnostic code 7011 · Cardiovascular system · 38 CFR 4.104
Rating criteria: the exact regulation text
Quoted from 38 CFR 4.104. The "Rating" column is the percentage VA assigns for that level.
Printed at the start of this table in the regulation:
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Note (1): Evaluate cor pulmonale, which is a form of secondary heart disease, as part of the pulmonary condition that causes it. | |
| Note (2): One MET (metabolic equivalent) is the energy cost of standing quietly at rest and represents an oxygen uptake of 3.5 milliliters per kilogram of body weight per minute. When the level of METs at which breathlessness, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope develops is required for evaluation, and a laboratory determination of METs by exercise testing cannot be done for medical reasons, a medical examiner may estimate the level of activity (expressed in METs and supported by specific examples, such as slow stair climbing or shoveling snow) that results in those symptoms. | |
| Note (3): For this general formula, heart failure symptoms include, but are not limited to, breathlessness, fatigue, angina, dizziness, arrhythmia, palpitations, or syncope. |
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7011 Ventricular arrhythmias (sustained): | |
| For an indefinite period from the date of inpatient hospital admission for initial medical therapy for a sustained ventricular arrhythmia; or, for an indefinite period from the date of inpatient hospital admission for ventricular aneurysmectomy; or, with an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) in place | 100 |
| Note: When inpatient hospitalization for sustained ventricular arrhythmia or ventricular aneurysmectomy is required, a 100-percent evaluation begins on the date of hospital admission with a mandatory VA examination six months following hospital discharge. Evaluate post-surgical residuals under the General Rating Formula. Apply the provisions of § 3.105(e) of this chapter to any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination. |
GENERAL RATING FORMULA FOR DISEASES OF THE HEART
This code's own text says to use this formula.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| GENERAL RATING FORMULA FOR DISEASES OF THE HEART: | |
| Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms | 100 |
| Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms | 60 |
| Workload of 5.1-7.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalent (e.g., multigated acquisition scan or magnetic resonance imaging) | 30 |
| Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control | 10 |
Where else the regulation mentions this code
These lines appear under other codes or headings in the schedule and name this code.
For DCs 7009, 7010, 7011, and 7015, a single evaluation will be assigned under the diagnostic code that reflects the predominant disability picture.
Evaluate as supraventricular tachycardia (DC 7010), ventricular arrhythmias (DC 7011), or atrioventricular block (DC 7015).
Note: Evaluate automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (AICDs) under DC 7011.
Related codes in the regulation
- 7008 Hyperthyroid heart diseaseMentioned together
- 7018 Implantable cardiac pacemakersMentioned together
The VA exam form for this condition
VA examiners record their findings on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). Reading it shows you what the exam will measure and ask.
Rules that apply to this body system
Where this comes from
38 CFR 4.104, VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, from the official eCFR.
Regulation text current as of October 16, 2026.
Change history for this code (38 CFR Part 4, Appendix A): Evaluation January 12, 1998; note, criterion November 14, 2021.
Read it on eCFR.govInformation, not advice
This page shows the text of VA's rating regulation for information. It is not a rating estimate, and it is not legal or medical advice. VA decides every rating on the evidence in your file.
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