Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Form of dysautonomia. Heart rate jumps >30 bpm on standing without significant BP drop. Rated by analogy under cardiovascular (DC 7010 for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia) or §4.124a for autonomic dysfunction.
Common symptoms
- Lightheadedness on standing
- Rapid heart rate when upright
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Exercise intolerance
- Pre-syncope/syncope
- Heat intolerance
VA rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia with more than four episodes per year documented (rated by analogy) |
| 10% | One to four episodes per year of paroxysmal tachycardia, or near-continuous symptoms requiring medication |
Pro tips
Often claimed secondary to
If you're already service-connected for any of these, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is often a viable secondary claim.
Common secondaries from this condition
If Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is service-connected, these are conditions worth investigating as secondaries (caused or aggravated by it).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Persistent, excessive worry across multiple domains. Rated identically to PTSD under §4.130.
Major Depressive Disorder
Persistent depressed mood, loss of interest, and associated symptoms. Common secondary to chronic pain.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Gulf War presumptive.
Filing this claim
For most veterans this is filed as a secondary claim. You need a nexus letter linking it to a service-connected primary condition. Use the letter generators to draft your nexus letter and Statement in Support of Claim.
Step by step
- File an Intent to File (Form 21-0966) to lock your effective date.
- Confirm you have a current medical diagnosis in a medical record.
- Get a nexus letter — magic phrase: "at least as likely as not."
- Write a Statement in Support of Claim (21-4138).
- If applicable, gather buddy statements (21-10210).
- File the formal 21-526EZ.
Source: 38 CFR §4.104 / §4.124a. For exact regulatory language, consult eCFR Title 38. This is general education — for your specific case, consult a VA-accredited representative.