Bradycardia can be a sign of an extremely physically healthy body, or it can be a sign your heart is functioning improperly. Veterans with bradycardia connected to their military service may qualify to receive monthly tax-free payments of up to $3,831.30 from the VA. In this article we will explain what bradycardia is, the bradycardia VA disability rating, and what veterans with bradycardia can do if they can’t work.
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In this article about the bradycardia VA disability rating:
What is bradycardia?
Bradycardia is a type of arrhythmia that causes the heart to beat unusually slow. A normal heart typically beats between 60 and 100 times a minute, depending on factors like age and physical fitness. A person with bradycardia has a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute.
In some cases, this may cause no symptoms or danger to the person, especially if they are extremely healthy and their heart is trained to pump blood through their body especially efficiently. In others, however, the slowing of blood flow may mean the body isn’t receiving enough oxygen.
In such cases, symptoms of bradycardia can include chest pain, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, cognitive issues, and palpitations. Medication can manage the condition in many cases, but in others a pacemaker may be implanted to help the heart beat properly.
Very little research has been done on bradycardia in the veteran population. Studies have suggested veterans may have a higher risk of heart disease over time. However, bradycardia can also be related to a non-cardiovascular condition like lupus. We discuss some of these related conditions below.
The bradycardia VA disability rating
The VA rating for bradycardia depends on the severity of a veteran’s symptoms and whether they require a pacemaker. If a veteran has surgery for a permanent pacemaker for symptomatic bradycardia, they can receive a temporary 100% bradycardia VA disability rating under diagnostic code 7009. This temporary total rating lasts for one month after implantation or re-implantation.
After this one month period ends, veterans may qualify for a new bradycardia VA rating using the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart. That criteria is as follows:
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| Workload of 3.0 METs or less results in heart failure symptoms | 100% | $3,831.30 |
| Workload of 3.1-5.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms | 60% | $1,395.93 |
| Workload of 5.1-7.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or evidence of cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation confirmed by echocardiogram or equivalent (e.g., multigated acquisition scan or magnetic resonance imaging) | 30% | $537.42 |
| Workload of 7.1-10.0 METs results in heart failure symptoms; or continuous medication required for control | 10% | $175.51 |
METs refers to the amount of oxygen and energy your body needs to use to perform a task. Heart failure symptoms include chest pain, dizziness, arrhythmias, palpitations, and fainting, all of which are also potential symptoms of bradycardia.
If your pacemaker consistently controls symptoms, it is unlikely you will continue to receive VA disability for the condition. The bradycardia VA rating notes asymptomatic bradycardia is considered a lab finding, not a disability eligible for monthly compensation.
Bradycardia and related conditions
Bradycardia may be caused by a wide range of medical treatments, illnesses, injuries, and other issues. Bradycardia is sometimes considered a symptom of a condition, not its own diagnosis, while in other cases, it can warrant its own rating. Some health issues related to bradycardia include:
Other heart problems. One issue with your heart can lead to others. Short-term issues like heart surgery or heart attack may cause bradycardia, and in these cases, your bradycardia could be rated as a residual if it continues. On the other hand, if your bradycardia is related to service-connected heart failure or coronary artery disease (CAD), bradycardia may be noted as a symptom or complication of your illness, which could lead to a higher overall rating.
Medications and radiation. If you are receiving radiation therapy for service-connected cancer or taking a medication like a narcotic or lithium for an illness and it is causing bradycardia, you could be owed additional VA compensation.
Lupus. Lupus may cause dysfunctions with the heart and disturbances to its natural, healthy rhythm. For some, this may mean developing bradycardia.
Hypothyroidism. Too little thyroid hormone being produced in the body can lead to bradycardia.
It’s important to keep in mind, you will not receive VA disability for asymptomatic bradycardia, no matter its cause.
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TDIU for bradycardia
In some cases, a veteran may be awarded total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for their heart issues.
TDIU is also known as individual unemployability or simply IU. Veterans are eligible for these benefits if they can’t hold down “substantially gainful” employment due to their service-connected conditions.
It is unlikely you will receive TDIU for bradycardia alone except in specific severe circumstances. However, the combination of symptomatic bradycardia and other service-connected health issues could qualify you for this benefit.
Veterans who receive TDIU benefits are compensated at the same level as those with a 100% disability rating, even though their combined rating is below 100%.
Veterans will typically be eligible for TDIU if they have:
- At least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more
How Woods & Woods can help
Our TDIU lawyers have helped thousands of veterans nationwide who can no longer work because of their service-connected conditions. Call us today for your free, confidential TDIU case evaluation. You won’t pay us unless we win your claim.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the VA can award a bradycardia VA rating to veterans with symptomatic, service-connected bradycardia.
No, the VA does not offer compensation for asymptomatic bradycardia. It considers asymptomatic bradycardia a lab finding, not a disability.
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
