Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) Implant

DC 7011Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7011

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device placed in the chest to detect and correct dangerous heart rhythms. The VA rates ICD implants based on your heart workload capacity in METs and ejection fraction. A 100% rating is assigned for two months after implantation, with a minimum 10% rating thereafter.

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 7011

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7011. 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

For two months following implantation of an ICD. Or chronic congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less causing symptoms, or your ejection fraction is less than 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Within two months of ICD implantation or reimplantation
Chronic congestive heart failure
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Operative report for ICD implantation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming the automatic 100% rating for two months after ICD implantation or reimplantation — this applies each time the device is implanted or replaced.
⚠Not providing ICD interrogation reports to the VA — these device checks show how often the ICD fires, which documents the severity of your arrhythmia.
⚠Not documenting the underlying heart condition that required the ICD — the arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, or other cardiac disease should be claimed separately or as part of the same condition.
⚠Not reporting anxiety and activity restrictions caused by living with an ICD — fear of shocks and lifestyle limitations may support a separate mental health rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Heart Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) Implant

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7011

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

For two months following implantation of an ICD. Or chronic congestive heart failure, or your workload capacity is 3 METs or less causing symptoms, or your ejection fraction is less than 30 percent.

What the VA looks for

Within two months of ICD implantation or reimplantation
Chronic congestive heart failure
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Operative report for ICD implantation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming the automatic 100% rating for two months after ICD implantation or reimplantation — this applies each time the device is implanted or replaced.

⚠Not providing ICD interrogation reports to the VA — these device checks show how often the ICD fires, which documents the severity of your arrhythmia.

⚠Not documenting the underlying heart condition that required the ICD — the arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, or other cardiac disease should be claimed separately or as part of the same condition.

⚠Not reporting anxiety and activity restrictions caused by living with an ICD — fear of shocks and lifestyle limitations may support a separate mental health rating.