Can You Get a Hyperlipidemia VA Rating? What Veterans Need to Know

If you’re a veteran diagnosed with hyperlipidemia (commonly known as high cholesterol), you may be wondering if you qualify for VA disability benefits.

While there’s currently no VA disability rating for hyperlipidemia itself, this condition often leads to or worsens other service-connected conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. And those are ratable.

In this post, we’ll explain what hyperlipidemia is, why it’s not rated on its own, and how it may still play a key role in a successful VA claim.

Summary of Key Points

• No standalone VA rating for hyperlipidemia: The VA classifies high cholesterol as a lab finding, not a ratable disability.

• Secondary conditions matter: Conditions often related to hyperlipidemia—like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease—do qualify for VA ratings.

• You must meet the service connection requirements: To win your claim, you’ll need a current diagnosis, an in-service event, and a nexus linking the condition to your service.

• Filing correctly matters: Even if hyperlipidemia isn’t ratable, it can support a stronger claim when tied to related conditions with documented evidence.

Hyperlipidemia in Veterans

Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, is an elevated level of lipids in your blood. The condition typically doesn’t produce symptoms and is found through routine bloodwork. 

Generally, genetics significantly influences hyperlipidemia, but it can also be caused by obesity, saturated fat intake, and the cholesterol content within your diet. 

The American Heart Association suggests the following lifestyle changes to help improve your cholesterol:

• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Being more physically active
• Quit smoking
• Lose weight

While it’s usually easier said than done, any step in the right direction leads you to a healthier, fuller life. 

Is There a VA Disability Rating for Hyperlipidemia?

Now that we know what it is, is it even possible to get a hyperlipidemia VA disability rating?

No, the VA doesn’t view hyperlipidemia as a condition directly related to military service, as it’s primarily attributed to genetics, lifestyle, and age. Therefore, there is no hyperlipidemia VA rating (or VA rating for high cholesterol). 

However, while you can’t qualify for a hyperlipidemia VA disability rating, there are related conditions that may qualify you for a VA rating and benefits, including:

• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Disease 

Let’s take a closer look at these three conditions that may warrant you a VA disability rating related to hyperlipidemia. 

Diabetes VA Disability Rating

The VA rates diabetes at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 100% under diagnostic code 7913, depending on the severity of your condition. 

For example, if you can manage your diabetes with diet alone, you’ll likely receive a 10% VA rating. However, if you require insulin more than once daily, you may be eligible for a 100% VA rating.

See Also: VA Rating for Diabetes—Explained

High Blood Pressure VA Disability Rating

The VA rates high blood pressure at 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60% under diagnostic code 7101, depending on your diastolic blood pressure. 

You may have high blood pressure due to high cholesterol or due to a secondary condition, including PTSD, anxiety, or depression. 

See Also: VA Ratings for Hypertension: Explained

VA Disability for Heart Disease

High cholesterol can increase your chances of developing heart disease, leading to various heart conditions. 

The VA rates ischemic heart disease at 10%, 30%, 60%, and 100% under diagnostic code 7005, depending on the severity of your symptoms. 

See Also: VA Disability for Heart Conditions

How to Get Service Connected for a VA Disability

Despite the VA not recognizing hyperlipidemia as a disability, it’s crucial to understand how to file a VA claim for disabilities connected to your military service. 

To receive VA disability for hyperlipidemia-related or other conditions, you must meet the following requirements:

1. A current diagnosis of your condition 
2. An in-service event, injury, illness, or aggravation
3. A medical nexus (i.e., link) between the current diagnosis and the in-service event, injury, or illness

How to File a VA Claim

While there is no specific VA disability for high cholesterol, it’s essential to understand the steps to filing a VA claim if you qualify for a separate condition. 

To file a VA claim, use the following five steps:

1. Gather Documentation: Collect medical records showing current diagnosis, test results, service records, and other evidence, such as Medical Nexus Letter or Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) linking your condition to your military service.
2. Complete VA Form 21-526EZ: Fill out this form to apply for disability compensation. Include details about your exposure, symptoms, and how it affects your daily life.
3. Submit Your VA Claim: Send the completed form and supporting documents to the VA regional office handling your claim. You can submit it online through the VA website, by mail, or in person.
4. Undergo Examinations: The VA might schedule you for medical examinations to evaluate the extent of your condition.
5. Await the Decision: The VA will review your claim, considering the evidence provided.

The VA will notify you of its decision regarding your eligibility for a VA disability rating, including VA benefits and compensation.

Conclusion

While hyperlipidemia itself isn’t considered a ratable VA disability, it’s often a key contributor to other serious health conditions that do qualify for compensation. If your high cholesterol has led to (or worsened) a service-connected condition like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, you may be entitled to VA benefits.

The key is understanding how to connect the dots between your service, your health, and the conditions that the VA does recognize. Don’t overlook the importance of strong medical evidence, a well-documented nexus, and related diagnoses when filing your claim.

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Author

Kelly Olone

Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.