Atrial Fibrillation

DC 7010Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7010

An irregular and often rapid heart rhythm originating in the upper chambers of the heart. Causes palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Can result from cardiac conditions, hypertension, or toxic exposures during service. Rated based on frequency of episodes.

Rating Levels

Your atrial fibrillation causes chronic congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less, or your left ventricular ejection fraction is less than 30 percent. In this case, the condition is rated under the criteria for the underlying heart disease.

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure from atrial fibrillation
Workload of 3 METs or less documented
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Echocardiogram showing cardiac dysfunction
Hospitalization records for heart failure

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting ECG or Holter monitor documentation during episodes — the VA requires objective documentation of atrial fibrillation; self-reported palpitations alone are insufficient.
⚠Not tracking the frequency of episodes — the difference between 10% and 30% depends on whether you have more than four episodes per year, so keep a detailed symptom log.
⚠Not connecting atrial fibrillation to service-connected conditions like hypertension, coronary artery disease, or thyroid disease — establish the secondary service connection.
⚠Not documenting stroke risk and anticoagulation use — atrial fibrillation significantly increases stroke risk, and the need for blood thinners supports the functional impact of the condition.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Heart Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Atrial Fibrillation

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure from atrial fibrillation
Workload of 3 METs or less documented
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Echocardiogram showing cardiac dysfunction
Hospitalization records for heart failure

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting ECG or Holter monitor documentation during episodes — the VA requires objective documentation of atrial fibrillation; self-reported palpitations alone are insufficient.

⚠Not tracking the frequency of episodes — the difference between 10% and 30% depends on whether you have more than four episodes per year, so keep a detailed symptom log.

⚠Not connecting atrial fibrillation to service-connected conditions like hypertension, coronary artery disease, or thyroid disease — establish the secondary service connection.

⚠Not documenting stroke risk and anticoagulation use — atrial fibrillation significantly increases stroke risk, and the need for blood thinners supports the functional impact of the condition.