Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension is chronically elevated blood pressure. VA rates it on your actual documented blood pressure readings, with a minimum 10 percent rating for veterans who need continuous medication and have a history of diastolic pressure of 100 or more.
Presumptive condition — PACT Act - Agent Orange (herbicide exposure)
The 2022 PACT Act added hypertension to the Agent Orange presumptive list. Veterans with qualifying herbicide exposure (service in Vietnam, and certain service in Thailand, at the Korean DMZ, and other covered locations) do not have to prove a medical nexus between service and their hypertension.
How the VA rates it
Rated under DC 7101 on blood pressure numbers, not symptoms. The diagnosis must be confirmed by readings taken two or more times on at least three different days. Because medication usually keeps pressure controlled, most rated veterans receive 10 percent (the minimum for a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more requiring continuous medication); higher ratings require documented readings at the higher thresholds despite treatment.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 60%Diastolic pressure (bottom number) predominantly 130 or more.
Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more.
Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure (top number) predominantly 200 or more.
Diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more. This is also the minimum rating for a veteran with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Coronary Artery Disease — Long-standing hypertension is a major cause of coronary artery disease, which is commonly claimed secondary to service-connected hypertension.
- Chronic kidney disease — Hypertension damages the kidneys over time; chronic kidney disease is commonly claimed secondary to hypertension.
- Stroke residuals — Hypertension is the leading risk factor for stroke; stroke residuals can be claimed secondary to service-connected hypertension.
- Hypertensive heart disease — Rated separately under DC 7007 when hypertension damages the heart; Note 3 to DC 7101 requires separate evaluations.
- Erectile Dysfunction — ED is commonly claimed secondary to hypertension and to blood pressure medications.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- PTSD — Hypertension is commonly claimed secondary to PTSD. The medical link is debated and VA does not concede it automatically, so a well-supported nexus opinion citing research on chronic stress and blood pressure is important.
- Sleep Apnea — Untreated obstructive sleep apnea is a recognized contributor to hypertension; commonly claimed as secondary.
- Diabetes Type 2 — Hypertension is commonly claimed secondary to diabetes, usually through diabetic kidney involvement.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Get readings documented two or more times on at least three different days - a single elevated office reading is not enough under Note 1 to DC 7101.
- Keep pharmacy records showing continuous blood pressure medication, plus any chart notes documenting a history of diastolic pressure of 100 or more before treatment - that combination supports the 10 percent minimum.
- For ratings above 10 percent, submit blood pressure logs and clinic records showing readings at the 110/120/130 diastolic or 200 systolic thresholds despite medication.
- If claiming under the PACT Act presumption, submit proof of qualifying herbicide-exposure service (Vietnam, covered Thailand bases, Korean DMZ, etc.).
Rating rules to know
Hypertension is evaluated separately from hypertensive heart disease and other heart disease (Note 3 to DC 7101), so a veteran can hold both a DC 7101 rating and a heart rating. Hypertension due to aortic insufficiency or hyperthyroidism is rated as part of the causing condition, not separately.
Related diagnostic codes
More heart & circulatory conditions
Coronary Artery Disease (Ischemic Heart Disease)
Coronary artery disease is narrowing of the heart's arteries that limits blood flow. VA rates it under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Heart, based on the exercise workload (in METs) at which heart failure symptoms appear.
Rated up to 100%
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins, usually in the legs, that can cause aching, swelling, skin changes, and ulcers. VA rates them per affected leg based on edema, skin changes, and ulceration.
Rated up to 100%
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, often rapid heart rhythm. VA rates it under DC 7010 (supraventricular tachycardia) based on how many treatment interventions you need per year, with a maximum schedular rating of 30 percent.
Rated up to 30%
Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (Post-Phlebitic Syndrome)
Post-thrombotic syndrome is chronic leg swelling, pain, skin changes, and sometimes ulcers that develop after a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) damages the vein. VA rates it per affected leg on edema, skin changes, and ulceration.
Rated up to 100%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.