Hypertension VA Ratings Guide How the VA Rates High Blood Pressure

If you’re a veteran with high blood pressure, understanding how hypertension VA ratings work can help you secure the VA disability benefits and monthly compensation you deserve.  

Hypertension is one of the most commonly claimed VA disabilities—especially for veterans exposed to Agent Orange or under long-term service-related stress.  

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the VA’s rating system for hypertension, how to prove service connection, and what medical evidence can strengthen your claim.

Key Takeaways

• The VA assigns a disability rating for hypertension ranging from 10% to 60%, depending on documented blood pressure levels, symptom severity, and whether the condition requires continuous medication for control. 

• Military Causes of Hypertension: The elevated risk of hypertension among veterans is often linked to service-related factors, including chronic physical and emotional stress, combat-related trauma, and exposure to toxic substances. 

• A strong VA claim often includes a nexus letter linking hypertension to military service. 

Veterans and Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition among veterans, often caused or worsened by the physical and emotional stressors of military service.  

The VA recognizes hypertension as a service-connected condition when supported by the right medical evidence and proof of an in-service event. 

Risk factors for hypertension include: 

• Age 

• Race 

• Family history 

• Obesity or being overweight 

• Lack of exercise 

• Smoking or vaping 

• Stress 

• Excessive alcohol consumption 

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension may not cause noticeable symptoms until blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels.  

While many individuals remain asymptomatic, some veterans may experience warning signs that indicate elevated blood pressure. 

Common symptoms associated with hypertension include: 

• Headaches 

• Dizziness or lightheadedness 

• Shortness of breath 

• Chest discomfort 

• Blurred or double vision 

• Nausea or vomiting 

• Fatigue 

• Confusion or difficulty concentrating 

• Nosebleeds 

• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations 

• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus) 

Remember, symptoms of hypertension can vary from person to person. You may experience some, all, or none of these signs depending on the severity and progression of your condition. 

Hypertension VA Ratings

The VA rates hypertension at 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60% under diagnostic code (DC) 7101 in the Schedule of ratings—cardiovascular system. 

The ratings are based on how high your blood pressure readings are and whether you need continuous medication (i.e., antihypertensives).  

Hypertension VA Rating Chart

Note: A current diagnosis of hypertension must be confirmed by readings taken twice or more often for at least three days.  

5 Tips for Strengthening Your VA Claim for Hypertension

To increase your chances of securing a favorable VA rating for hypertension, make sure your claim includes the following: 

• Current Medical Diagnosis: Submit records confirming a formal current diagnosis of hypertension. 

• Blood Pressure Readings: Include multiple readings over time to show consistent, elevated blood pressure. 

• Service Connection Evidence: Provide documentation linking your hypertension to in-service events, exposures, or injuries. 

• Nexus Letter: Include a detailed nexus letter from a qualified medical professional connecting your condition to your service. 

• Treatment Records: Show ongoing management of hypertension, including prescribed medications and follow-up care. 

Professional Tip: Submitting thorough and well-organized medical evidence is critical to securing an accurate VA disability rating for hypertension. 

Establishing a Service Connection for Hypertension

To receive a VA rating for hypertension, you must meet three key criteria: 

1. A current medical diagnosis of hypertension 

2. Documentation of an in-service event, injury, or illness 

3. A medical nexus (link) between your hypertension and military service (this can be a nexus letter)

Note: A current diagnosis alone is not enough to prove a nexus between your condition and military service. Ensure you provide sufficient evidence to strengthen and validate your claim. 

Hypertension and Presumptive Service Connection

A presumptive condition is one where the VA automatically considers service-connected based on known exposure risks during military service, removing the need to prove a direct link. 

Hypertension may qualify if diagnosed within one year of discharge, recognized as chronic, and tied to service in certain locations during specific time periods. 

To meet VA presumptive criteria, you must have served in areas with known exposure to hazards like Agent Orange, burn pits, or other toxins. 

Refer to the VA’s list of eligible locations and service dates to see if your service qualifies. This designation can strengthen your claim by removing the burden of proving direct causation. 

VA Secondary Conditions to Hypertension

Did you know? Recognizing and documenting evidence of secondary conditions can increase your overall combined VA disability rating. 

In many cases, hypertension does not occur in isolation. Over time, it can contribute to or worsen other serious health conditions.  

These are known as secondary service-connected conditions, meaning they develop because of a primary condition already recognized by the VA. 

Common secondary conditions to hypertension include: 

• Heart disease 

• Chronic kidney disease 

• Peripheral artery disease 

• Stroke 

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) 

• Sleep apnea 

• Eye disorders 

• Aneurysms 

Related Post: 8 Common VA Secondary Conditions to Hypertension 

C&P Exam for Hypertension

Your compensation & pension (C&P) exam for hypertension is essential to securing the VA disability benefits you deserve. 

C&P exams may be conducted in person, by video, phone, or through a records-only review (ACE exam). 

Here’s what to expect during your hypertension C&P exam: 

• Medical Records Review: The examiner will review your current diagnosis, treatments, and related conditions. 

• Interview: You’ll discuss your medical history, symptoms (like headaches or dizziness), and medications. 

• Physical Exam: Blood pressure will be measured multiple times, often on different days, to confirm hypertension. 

• Functional Impact: The examiner will assess how hypertension affects your daily life and work. 

• Lifestyle Questions: You’ll be asked about diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol use. 

• Complication Evaluation: If you have related conditions such as heart or kidney disease, these will be assessed. 

The examiner will document all findings in the Hypertension Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) and submit it to the VA for review. 

Nexus Letter for Hypertension

A nexus letter is a document based on medical evidence that helps you establish a link or connection between your current diagnosis of hypertension and an in-service-related event or trauma.  

The VA doesn’t require you to provide a nexus letter; however, you may need the letter to support denied claims, secondary conditions, and cases lacking strong medical evidence.  

The licensed, trusted professionals at Telemedica can provide you with a nexus letter, paving the way to the benefits you rightfully deserve.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

Is hypertension a VA disability?

Yes, hypertension is recognized by the VA as a compensable condition when service connected. 

What is the VA rating for hypertension on medication?

The VA rates hypertension involving specific blood pressure parameters along with continuous medication at 10%.  

If your diastolic blood pressure reading is predominantly 110 or more, or your systolic pressure is predominantly 200 or more, continuous medication is not required at 20% according to the VA’s rating schedule. 

Can I claim secondary conditions related to hypertension?

Yes, conditions like chronic kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke can be claimed as secondary to service-connected hypertension, provided you can show a link between your hypertension and the secondary disorder.  

A nexus letter is often the missing link between connecting primary service-connected conditions with secondary conditions for a higher VA rating. 

How do I strengthen my hypertension VA claim?

To strengthen your hypertension VA claim, submit comprehensive medical records, provide consistent blood pressure readings, obtain a detailed Nexus Letter, and include evidence of your provider’s order for continuous medication. 

What if my initial VA claim for hypertension is denied?

You can appeal against the decision by submitting additional evidence, such as new medical records or a detailed nexus letter that explains why your hypertension is “at least as likely as not” connected to your military service. 

Is hypertension considered a presumptive condition for Agent Orange exposure?

Yes. As of 2022, the VA PACT Act recognizes hypertension as a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange.  

You may qualify if you served in Vietnam, Thailand, or other eligible locations and later developed hypertension. 

What diagnostic code does the VA use for hypertension?

Diagnostic Code 7101 is used for rating hypertension in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. 

What is the difference between hypertension and high blood pressure in VA claims?

They are the same condition. “Hypertension” is the medical term for high blood pressure. For VA purposes, a diagnosis of hypertension must meet specific criteria. 

How often should my blood pressure be documented for a VA claim?

The VA requires blood pressure readings taken on at least three separate days to confirm a current hypertension diagnosis. Multiple readings help support the severity and consistency of your condition. 

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied?  

Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence that wins claims!  

Schedule your 20-minute consultation, get answers for your service-connected disability, and start on your path to well-being.