An abnormally slow heart rate causing symptoms that requires a permanent pacemaker.
Medical records documenting your pacemaker implantation or re-implantation, including hospital admission and discharge dates, directly support the 100% rating for the first month after discharge.
For ratings under the General Rating Formula, exercise stress test results that record the MET level at which symptoms develop are central evidence. If exercise testing cannot be done for medical reasons, a medical examiner can estimate the MET level based on specific activities you can and cannot perform, such as slow stair climbing. Echocardiogram, multigated acquisition scan, or MRI findings showing cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation support a 30% rating even without a MET finding. Records showing a continuous prescription for heart medication support a 10% rating.
Cardiology notes, clinic visit records, and pacemaker device checks that document ongoing symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, or syncope help connect your test results to the rating criteria. Statements from you or people who know you describing how those symptoms affect your work and daily activities can also help show the severity of your condition.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
