Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

DC 7011Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7011

A condition where your heart rate increases too much when you stand up, causing dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, and fatigue. POTS is common among Gulf War veterans and veterans with post-COVID illness. The VA rates POTS based on how often symptoms occur and how much they limit your daily activities.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

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

Your POTS is chronic and debilitating. Your workload capacity is 3 METs or less. You cannot perform basic daily activities without severe symptoms and may be essentially housebound.

What the VA looks for

Chronic debilitating symptoms preventing daily activities
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Frequent syncopal episodes
Unable to stand for more than a few minutes
Essentially housebound due to symptoms

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a tilt table test — the VA needs objective evidence of abnormal heart rate increase upon standing. A tilt table test is the gold standard for diagnosing POTS and should show a heart rate increase of 30+ bpm within 10 minutes of standing.
⚠Not connecting POTS to Gulf War service or post-COVID illness — POTS is increasingly recognized as a Gulf War presumptive condition and a post-COVID complication. Document the timeline from service or COVID illness to symptom onset.
⚠Not documenting the frequency and severity of episodes — keep a daily symptom log noting episodes of dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, and how they limit your activities. The rating depends on episode frequency.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — POTS commonly causes chronic fatigue, migraines, gastrointestinal problems, and cognitive difficulties that may each warrant separate ratings.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Heart Conditions

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7011

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your POTS is chronic and debilitating. Your workload capacity is 3 METs or less. You cannot perform basic daily activities without severe symptoms and may be essentially housebound.

What the VA looks for

Chronic debilitating symptoms preventing daily activities
Workload capacity of 3 METs or less
Frequent syncopal episodes
Unable to stand for more than a few minutes
Essentially housebound due to symptoms

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a tilt table test — the VA needs objective evidence of abnormal heart rate increase upon standing. A tilt table test is the gold standard for diagnosing POTS and should show a heart rate increase of 30+ bpm within 10 minutes of standing.

⚠Not connecting POTS to Gulf War service or post-COVID illness — POTS is increasingly recognized as a Gulf War presumptive condition and a post-COVID complication. Document the timeline from service or COVID illness to symptom onset.

⚠Not documenting the frequency and severity of episodes — keep a daily symptom log noting episodes of dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, and how they limit your activities. The rating depends on episode frequency.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — POTS commonly causes chronic fatigue, migraines, gastrointestinal problems, and cognitive difficulties that may each warrant separate ratings.