Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, often rapid heart rhythm. VA rates it under DC 7010 (supraventricular tachycardia) based on how many treatment interventions you need per year, with a maximum schedular rating of 30 percent.
How the VA rates it
AFib and atrial flutter are rated under DC 7010, now titled 'Supraventricular tachycardia.' The 2021 cardiovascular revision replaced the old 'episodes per year documented by ECG or Holter monitor' standard with a treatment-intervention standard: a treatment intervention means IV medication adjustment, cardioversion, or ablation performed for symptom relief. AFib that is controlled with continuous oral medication (including permanent AFib) rates 10 percent. The condition must be confirmed by ECG.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 30%Confirmed by ECG, with five or more treatment interventions per year (IV medication adjustment, cardioversion, or ablation for symptom relief).
Confirmed by ECG, with one to four treatment interventions per year; or confirmed by ECG and controlled with continuous oral medication or vagal maneuvers.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Stroke residuals — AFib substantially raises stroke risk; stroke residuals can be claimed secondary to service-connected AFib.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Hypertension — Hypertension is a leading cause of AFib; commonly claimed as secondary.
- Coronary Artery Disease — Ischemic heart disease commonly leads to AFib; a frequent secondary claim.
- Sleep Apnea — Obstructive sleep apnea is strongly associated with AFib; commonly claimed as secondary.
- Hyperthyroidism — Overactive thyroid can trigger AFib; claimed as secondary where the thyroid condition is service connected.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Make sure your AFib is documented on an ECG - ECG confirmation is required for any compensable rating under DC 7010.
- Keep records of every cardioversion, ablation, and ER visit requiring IV rate or rhythm drugs - five or more interventions in a year supports 30 percent.
- Document continuous oral medication (rate or rhythm control, anticoagulants) - controlled AFib on daily oral medication supports 10 percent.
- If you have a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator, those are rated under DCs 7018 and 7011 with temporary 100 percent periods and minimum ratings.
Rating rules to know
Only a single evaluation is assigned among DCs 7009 (bradycardia), 7010, 7011 (ventricular arrhythmias), and 7015 (AV block) - whichever reflects the predominant disability picture. AFib cannot be stacked with another arrhythmia rating.
Related diagnostic codes
More heart & circulatory conditions
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension is chronically elevated blood pressure. VA rates it on your actual documented blood pressure readings, with a minimum 10 percent rating for veterans who need continuous medication and have a history of diastolic pressure of 100 or more.
Rated up to 60%
Coronary Artery Disease (Ischemic Heart Disease)
Coronary artery disease is narrowing of the heart's arteries that limits blood flow. VA rates it under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart, based on the exercise workload (in METs) at which heart failure symptoms appear.
Rated up to 100%
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins, usually in the legs, that can cause aching, swelling, skin changes, and ulcers. VA rates them per affected leg based on edema, skin changes, and ulceration.
Rated up to 100%
Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (Post-Phlebitic Syndrome)
Post-thrombotic syndrome is chronic leg swelling, pain, skin changes, and sometimes ulcers that develop after a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) damages the vein. VA rates it per affected leg on edema, skin changes, and ulceration.
Rated up to 100%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.