Left Bundle Branch Block

DC 7015Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7015

A condition where electrical signals in the heart are delayed or blocked along the pathway that sends impulses to the left side of the heart. This can be a sign of underlying heart disease and may cause the heart to pump less efficiently. The VA rates left bundle branch block based on your heart workload capacity in METs and ejection fraction.

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

You have 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

Chronic congestive heart failure
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Severe exercise limitation
Biventricular pacemaker or CRT-D device placement

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an echocardiogram in addition to the EKG — the EKG shows the conduction delay, but the echocardiogram shows how the block is affecting your heart's pumping function and ejection fraction.
⚠Not documenting the underlying cause of the LBBB — it may be secondary to coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, or hypertension, any of which may already be service-connected.
⚠Not reporting exercise intolerance and fatigue — LBBB can cause the heart chambers to beat out of sync, reducing cardiac output and causing symptoms that should be documented at the C&P exam.
⚠Not claiming cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) or pacemaker implantation separately if required — device implantation may qualify for additional ratings under DC 7018.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Heart Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Left Bundle Branch Block

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7015

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have 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

Chronic congestive heart failure
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Severe exercise limitation
Biventricular pacemaker or CRT-D device placement

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting an echocardiogram in addition to the EKG — the EKG shows the conduction delay, but the echocardiogram shows how the block is affecting your heart's pumping function and ejection fraction.

⚠Not documenting the underlying cause of the LBBB — it may be secondary to coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, or hypertension, any of which may already be service-connected.

⚠Not reporting exercise intolerance and fatigue — LBBB can cause the heart chambers to beat out of sync, reducing cardiac output and causing symptoms that should be documented at the C&P exam.

⚠Not claiming cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) or pacemaker implantation separately if required — device implantation may qualify for additional ratings under DC 7018.