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Implantable cardiac pacemakers
Diagnostic code 7018 · 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 |
|---|---|
| 7018 Implantable cardiac pacemakers: | |
| For one month following hospital discharge for implantation or re-implantation | 100 |
| Thereafter: | |
| Evaluate as supraventricular tachycardia (DC 7010), ventricular arrhythmias (DC 7011), or atrioventricular block (DC 7015). | |
| Minimum | 10 |
| Note: Evaluate automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (AICDs) under DC 7011. |
Where else the regulation mentions this code
These lines appear under other codes or headings in the schedule and name this code.
Evaluate under DC 7018 (implantable cardiac pacemakers).
Related codes in the regulation
- 7010 Supraventricular tachycardiaRated using
- 7011 Ventricular arrhythmias (sustained)Rated using
- 7015 Atrioventricular blockRated using
- 7011 Ventricular arrhythmias (sustained)Mentioned together
- 7015 Atrioventricular blockMentioned 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): Added January 12, 1998; 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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