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Can you get a VA rating for hypertension on medication?
Absolutely!
Even if your hypertension is controlled with medication, the VA still considers both your blood pressure readings and the need for continuous medication when determining your VA disability rating.
In this post, we’ll break down how the VA rates hypertension on medication, how to service-connect your condition, four ways to file a VA claim, and much more.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- The VA rating for hypertension on medication is 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60%, under diagnostic code (DC) 7101.
- Your VA rating for hypertension with medication is determined based on your blood pressure readings and whether continuous medication is necessary to manage the condition.
- You can file a VA claim for hypertension online, in person, by mail, or via fax.
Can I Get a VA Disability Rating for Hypertension on Medication?
Yes, if your hypertension is well-controlled with medication, the VA still considers the historical severity of your condition when determining VA benefits.
The critical factor is whether your hypertension meets the minimum threshold for a compensable rating based on blood pressure readings or a requirement for continuous medication.
For example, if your diastolic pressure was predominantly 100 mmHg or more before starting medication, and you require ongoing treatment to keep it under control, you may qualify for a 10% rating.
How the VA Rates Hypertension
The VA rates hypertension under Diagnostic Code 7101 at 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60% under the Schedule of Ratings—Cardiovascular System.
Your VA rating for hypertension is determined primarily based on the severity of your blood pressure readings.
Continuous medication is a factor for obtaining a 10% rating if there is a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, but it is not explicitly required for higher ratings.
For example, you may be eligible for a 60% VA rating for hypertension if your diastolic pressure is predominantly 130 or more, regardless of whether you require continuous medication for control.
See More: How to Get a VA Disability Rating for Hypertension
VA Rating Chart for Hypertension
| Diagnostic Code 7101, Hypertensive vascular disease | VA Rating |
| Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 mmHg or more. | 60% |
| Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 mmHg or more. | 40% |
| Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 mmHg or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 mmHg or more. | 20% |
| Diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or; systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or; minimum evaluation for an individual with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control. | 10% |
Note (1): Hypertension or isolated systolic hypertension must be confirmed by readings taken two or more times on at least three different days. For purposes of this section, the term hypertension means that the diastolic blood pressure is predominantly 90mm. or greater, and isolated systolic hypertension means that the systolic blood pressure is predominantly 160mm. or greater with a diastolic blood pressure of less than 90mm.
Note (2): Evaluate hypertension due to aortic insufficiency or hyperthyroidism, which is usually the isolated systolic type, as part of the condition causing it rather than by a separate evaluation.
Note (3): Evaluate hypertension separately from hypertensive heart disease and other types of heart disease.
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Proving Service Connection for Hypertension
You must service connect your hypertension, which proves your condition was directly caused or aggravated by your military service.
For a successful service connection, you must prove the following:
- A current medical diagnosis of hypertension
- An in-service injury, illness, or event
- A nexus connecting your condition to the in-service event (can be a nexus letter)
Filing a VA Claim for Hypertension on Medication
You can file your VA claim for hypertension on medication online, by mail, in person, or via fax. As of November 2024, it takes about 139.3 days for the VA to make a decision on a claim.
Before filing, it’s best to gather any supporting documents and medical evidence to include with your application.
While medical evidence isn’t mandatory, it can speed up the processing of your claim and provide essential information about the validity of your case.
Examples of supporting documents include:
- VA medical records and hospital records
- Private medical records and hospital reports
- Buddy statements (i.e., from a family member, friend, clergy member, or fellow service member)
Related: What Form Should I Use for a VA Buddy Statement?
(Video) How to File a VA Claim Online Step-by-Step
C&P Exam for Hypertension
As part of your VA claims process, you may be required to attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. This exam helps the VA determine whether you have hypertension and if it is service-connected.
The VA will form their medical opinion on service connection based on the details of your claim, such as whether it is a direct or secondary service-related condition.
They will also assess the severity, frequency, and duration of your symptoms, along with the impact they have on your daily life.
Note: Not all VA claims require a C&P exam. However, if one is scheduled, it’s essential not to miss your appointment, as it plays a crucial role in the decision-making process.
Read More: How to Successfully Navigate a C&P Exam for Hypertension
Secondary Conditions to Hypertension
Hypertension can lead to or worsen several health conditions that may qualify for additional VA disability benefits.
Common secondary conditions to hypertension include:
- Heart disease
- Mood disorders
- Kidney disease
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Sleep Apnea
Read More: VA Secondary Conditions Linked to Hypertension
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VA rating for hypertension on medication?
The VA rates hypertension under Diagnostic Code 7101 in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The rating is determined based on your blood pressure readings, considering both systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) numbers. Hypertension VA ratings are 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60%, depending on the severity of your blood pressure readings and the need for continuous medication.
How much does the VA pay for high blood pressure?
The amount the VA pays for hypertension depends on your disability rating and the number of dependents you have. Monthly VA compensation will vary based on these factors. See the VA Disability Calculator for monthly compensation estimates.
Can I get a VA rating for high blood pressure with medication?
Yes, you can receive a VA disability rating for hypertension even if you’re on medication. The VA takes into account the necessity of continuous medication to manage your condition when assigning a rating.
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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.
