A method, an apparatus, and a computer-readable medium for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus may be a UE. The apparatus performs LBRM. Before performing LBRM, the apparatus reports a plurality of UE categories to an eNB. In addition, the apparatus determines whether signaling in relation to the UE categories is received from the eNB. In addition, the apparatus selects a UE category from the plurality of UE categories based on the reported UE categories and the signaling in relation to the UE categories. In addition, the apparatus determines a total number of soft channel bits to use for LBRM at the UE based on the selected UE category. Subsequently, the apparatus performs LBRM based on the determined total number of soft channel bits.