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Evidence checklist

Cardiac Arrhythmia

DC 701038 CFR § 4.104Cardiovascular

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 5 collected
ECG and/or Holter monitor documenting arrhythmia type and frequencyCritical

Electrocardiogram or 24-48 hour Holter monitor recording confirming the arrhythmia diagnosis, rhythm type, and episode frequency. This is the primary objective evidence.

Private provider · independent opinion
Echocardiogram with ejection fractionCritical

Echocardiography documenting structural heart disease and chamber size. Cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed on it is its own route to 30% under the General Rating Formula; ejection fraction is no longer a rating criterion.

Private provider · independent opinion
Exercise stress test with METs estimationCritical

Stress test documenting functional exercise capacity in METs. METs level drives the rating percentage under the General Rating Formula for heart conditions.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking arrhythmia to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting the arrhythmia to service-related causes such as stimulant use during service, service-connected hypertension, CAD, or other cardiac conditions.

Private provider · independent opinion
Electrophysiology (EP) study results (if performed)

EP study documenting inducible arrhythmias, ablation procedures, or conduction system abnormalities.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 1 collected
Treatment records including antiarrhythmic medications and procedures

Records of antiarrhythmic drug therapy (amiodarone, flecainide, beta-blockers), cardioversion, or ablation procedures.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Heart ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing arrhythmia type, ECG/Holter findings, METs, ejection fraction, and functional limitations.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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