Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

DC 7010Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7010

A congenital heart condition involving an extra electrical pathway between the upper and lower chambers of the heart, causing episodes of rapid heartbeat (tachycardia). The VA rates WPW syndrome based on the frequency of symptomatic episodes documented by ECG or Holter monitor.

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 7010

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.104, DC 7010. 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 WPW syndrome has led to 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 tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy
Workload of 3 METs or less documented
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Echocardiogram showing cardiac dysfunction
Hospitalization records for heart failure or hemodynamic instability

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting ECG documentation during symptomatic episodes — the VA requires objective ECG or Holter monitor evidence; symptom diaries alone are insufficient for rating purposes.
⚠Not tracking episode frequency carefully — the difference between 10% and 30% depends on whether you have more than four documented episodes per year.
⚠Not establishing aggravation of a pre-existing condition — while WPW is congenital, military service may have aggravated it beyond its natural progression, which is a valid basis for service connection.
⚠Not documenting the functional impact on daily activities and employment — WPW episodes causing syncope or near-syncope can support a TDIU claim if the condition prevents substantial gainful employment.

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…

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7010

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Chronic congestive heart failure from tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy
Workload of 3 METs or less documented
Left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%
Echocardiogram showing cardiac dysfunction
Hospitalization records for heart failure or hemodynamic instability

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting ECG documentation during symptomatic episodes — the VA requires objective ECG or Holter monitor evidence; symptom diaries alone are insufficient for rating purposes.

⚠Not tracking episode frequency carefully — the difference between 10% and 30% depends on whether you have more than four documented episodes per year.

⚠Not establishing aggravation of a pre-existing condition — while WPW is congenital, military service may have aggravated it beyond its natural progression, which is a valid basis for service connection.

⚠Not documenting the functional impact on daily activities and employment — WPW episodes causing syncope or near-syncope can support a TDIU claim if the condition prevents substantial gainful employment.