Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) VA Disability Rating

Hypertensive vascular disease is rated under Diagnostic Code 7101 in 38 CFR 4.104. Ratings are based on diastolic and systolic pressure readings, and continuous medication use matters at the 10% level when there is a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more.

Start organizing your claim Use the VA Disability Calculator

Educational information only. StratForge is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and does not guarantee any rating, decision, or benefit.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) rating percentages and criteria

Criteria are paraphrased from 38 CFR 4.104. Read the official text before relying on any summary.

60%

Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more.

40%

Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more.

20%

Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more.

10%

Diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more; or systolic predominantly 160 or more; or minimum evaluation for a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control.

View official rating criteria

Common symptoms

Often no symptoms at all — hypertension is usually found on readings
Headaches
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Shortness of breath with exertion
Fatigue

Evidence VA may consider

Blood pressure readings from service treatment records, especially entrance and separation exams
Two or more readings on at least three different days for an initial diagnosis
Current VA or private treatment records with ongoing readings
Prescription history for antihypertensive medication
A nexus opinion when claiming hypertension as secondary

Not sure what is already in your file? Request and review your VA C-File or gather your medical records.

C&P exam information for hypertension (high blood pressure)

Bring home blood pressure logs if you keep them.
Report every medication you take for blood pressure and for how long.
Mention in-service readings that were elevated, even if never formally diagnosed.

More detail: How to prepare for a VA C&P exam.

Potential secondary conditions

Hypertension secondary to PTSD
Hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus type II
Hypertension secondary to sleep apnea
Hypertension secondary to kidney disease
Ischemic heart disease or stroke as complications of long-standing hypertension

Learn how these claims work on the VA secondary conditions guide.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) VA claim FAQs

Does taking blood pressure medication qualify for 10%?

The 10% minimum applies to a veteran with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control. Medication alone, without that history, does not automatically meet the criterion.

Is hypertension presumptive for Agent Orange exposure?

Hypertension was added to the list of conditions presumptively associated with herbicide exposure under the PACT Act. Eligibility depends on qualifying service; check VA's current guidance.