Atrioventricular Block (Heart Block)

DC 7015Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7015

A condition where the electrical signals that tell your heart when to beat are delayed or blocked between the upper and lower chambers. The VA rates heart block using the standard heart rating formula based on METs, ejection fraction, and whether you need a pacemaker.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 7015

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7015. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your workload capacity is 3 METs or less causing symptoms, or you have ongoing congestive heart failure, or your heart pumps at less than 30 percent of normal, or you are pacemaker-dependent with major limits on what you can do.

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Complete pacemaker dependence documented
Significant functional limitations from cardiac condition
Severe exercise limitation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your pacemaker implantation and dependence — a pacemaker is strong evidence of serious heart block. Keep all surgical records, device cards, and pacemaker interrogation reports.
⚠Not getting an exercise stress test or METs estimation — the rating depends on your measured workload capacity. If you have a pacemaker and cannot do a standard treadmill test, the examiner can estimate METs based on your daily activities.
⚠Not keeping records of pacemaker adjustments and complications — if your device needs frequent reprogramming, battery replacements, or lead revisions, this supports a higher rating by showing ongoing cardiac impairment.
⚠Not connecting heart block to in-service cardiac events, medications, or exposures — heart block can develop from cardiac surgery, infections (like Lyme disease during service), or toxic exposures.
⚠Not reporting all symptoms honestly during the C&P exam — dizziness, fainting (syncope), shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance should all be described. These symptoms determine your METs level and rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Heart Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Atrioventricular Block (Heart Block) or rated under the same body system.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

DC 7101·Cardiovascular

Coronary Artery Disease

DC 7005·Cardiovascular

Cardiac Arrhythmia

DC 7010·Cardiovascular

Heart Valve Disease

DC 7000·Cardiovascular

Peripheral Vascular Disease

DC 7114·Cardiovascular

Cardiomyopathy

DC 7020·Cardiovascular

Congestive Heart Failure

DC 7019·Cardiovascular

Varicose Veins

DC 7120·Cardiovascular

Condition Rating Guides

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

Atrioventricular Block (Heart Block)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7015

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Complete pacemaker dependence documented
Significant functional limitations from cardiac condition
Severe exercise limitation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your pacemaker implantation and dependence — a pacemaker is strong evidence of serious heart block. Keep all surgical records, device cards, and pacemaker interrogation reports.

⚠Not getting an exercise stress test or METs estimation — the rating depends on your measured workload capacity. If you have a pacemaker and cannot do a standard treadmill test, the examiner can estimate METs based on your daily activities.

⚠Not keeping records of pacemaker adjustments and complications — if your device needs frequent reprogramming, battery replacements, or lead revisions, this supports a higher rating by showing ongoing cardiac impairment.

⚠Not connecting heart block to in-service cardiac events, medications, or exposures — heart block can develop from cardiac surgery, infections (like Lyme disease during service), or toxic exposures.

⚠Not reporting all symptoms honestly during the C&P exam — dizziness, fainting (syncope), shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance should all be described. These symptoms determine your METs level and rating.