Hypertension VA Rating Guide: How to Qualify for VA Disability Benefits for High Blood Pressure

Looking for Expert-Level VA Claim Answers?📱Call Us Now! 737-295-2226

If you’re dealing with high blood pressure—also called hypertension—you’re not alone.

Roughly 37% of veterans suffer from this condition, making it the #1 most common chronic illness among veterans today.

And it’s no surprise why.

The demands of military service—prolonged stress, combat trauma, physical injuries, toxic exposures like Agent Orange—can all take a serious toll on your cardiovascular system.

Left unchecked, hypertension can lead to life-threatening issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

But if your high blood pressure is connected to your service (or worsened by another service-connected condition), you may be eligible for tax-free monthly VA disability compensation.

In this definitive guide by VA disability expert Brian Reese, you’ll discover exactly how to get the hypertension VA rating you deserve—including how to prove service connection, why your symptoms matter, the VA rating criteria under Diagnostic Code 7101, key presumptive rules, common secondary conditions, and how to crush your C&P exam like a pro.

Let’s begin!

Summary of Key Points

• High Prevalence of Hypertension in Veterans: Approximately 37% of veterans have high blood pressure, making it the most common chronic condition among veterans.

• Causes and Impacts: The high prevalence of hypertension in veterans is often due to physical and psychological stressors experienced during military service, such as prolonged stress, combat injuries, and exposure to hazardous substances like Agent Orange. This condition can significantly impact health and quality of life, leading to serious issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

• Hypertension VA Ratings: The VA rates hypertension from 10% to 60% with breaks at 20% and 40% based on blood pressure readings, the need for continuous medication, and the severity of your symptoms.

• Presumptive Service Connection for Hypertension: Hypertension is on the VA’s presumptive list. If diagnosed within one year of discharge, it is considered a chronic condition presumed to be related to military service. Veterans exposed to Agent Orange and Gulf War veterans with undiagnosed illnesses or MUCMI are also eligible for presumptive service connection under the PACT Act.

Hypertension in Veterans

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high.

This can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

For veterans, the physical and psychological stressors of military service can contribute to the development of hypertension.

Understanding how to get a VA rating for hypertension is vital for accessing proper healthcare and benefits.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Hypertension, often referred to as the silent killer, can sometimes present with noticeable symptoms, particularly when blood pressure levels are very high.

However, some veterans might not have any noticeable symptoms.

Here are the most common symptoms associated with hypertension:

• Headaches: Persistent or severe headaches can be a symptom, especially if blood pressure is very high.

• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy is another common symptom.

• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing can occur, particularly during physical activity.

• Chest Pain: Experiencing chest pain or a feeling of tightness in the chest.

• Blurred Vision: Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision.

• Nausea and Vomiting: These can occur, especially in severe cases of hypertension.

• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or fatigued.

• Confusion: Difficulty concentrating or feeling confused.

• Nosebleeds: Frequent or unexplained nosebleeds.

• Irregular Heartbeat: Experiencing palpitations or an irregular heartbeat.

• Buzzing in the Ears: Tinnitus or a ringing/buzzing sound in the ears.

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially in conjunction with high blood pressure readings, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

Proving Service Connection

To establish service connection for hypertension, you need to provide the VA with evidence linking your condition to military service or another service-connected disability.

This process involves proving The Caluza Triangle, which includes:

• Medical Diagnosis: A current medical diagnosis of hypertension must be present in your medical records. Without a medical diagnosis, you cannot establish a service connection.

• In-Service Event, Injury, Disease, Presumption, or Aggravation: You need to provide evidence of an event, injury, disease, presumption, or aggravation that occurred during your military service that could have caused or worsened your hypertension. This could include documented high blood pressure readings, exposure to hazardous substances, or stressful events during active duty.

• Nexus (Link Between Diagnosis and In-Service Event): Competent medical evidence must establish a nexus, or link, between the current diagnosis of hypertension and the in-service event, injury, or disease. This often requires a detailed medical opinion or nexus letter from a healthcare provider that explains how your military service likely caused or aggravated your hypertension. If you have been out of the military for more than a year, it is highly recommended to get a nexus letter from a private healthcare provider and submit it with your claim. This letter should state that it is “at least as likely as not” that your hypertension is related to your service.

Hypertension VA Ratings

Here’s a simple rating chart for hypertension VA ratings:

VA Disability Ratings for Hypertension	VA Rating Criteria
10% VA Rating for High Blood Pressure	Diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or requiring continuous medication.
20% VA Rating for High Blood Pressure	Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more.
40% VA Rating for High Blood Pressure	Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more.
60% VA Rating for High Blood Pressure	Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more.

The VA rates hypertension (high blood pressure) under 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7101, based on the severity of your symptoms.

The ratings are determined by your blood pressure readings and the need for continuous medication.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the rating criteria:

10% VA Rating for Hypertension

• Diastolic Pressure Predominantly 100 or More: Diastolic pressure (the bottom number in a blood pressure reading) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. A diastolic reading of 100 or more qualifies for a 10% rating.

• Systolic Pressure Predominantly 160 or More: Systolic pressure (the top number) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. A systolic reading of 160 or more also qualifies for a 10% rating.

• Requiring Continuous Medication: If you have a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more and require continuous medication to control your blood pressure, you are eligible for a 10% rating.

20% VA Rating for Hypertension

• Diastolic Pressure Predominantly 110 or More: A diastolic reading of 110 or more increases the severity and thus the rating.

• Systolic Pressure Predominantly 200 or More: A systolic reading of 200 or more also meets the criteria for a 20% rating.

40% VA Rating for Hypertension

• Diastolic Pressure Predominantly 120 or More: This higher diastolic reading indicates a more severe level of hypertension, qualifying for a 40% rating.

60% VA Rating for Hypertension

• Diastolic Pressure Predominantly 130 or More: The highest rating for hypertension is given when the diastolic pressure is predominantly 130 or more, reflecting severe hypertension.

Hypertension and Presumptive Service Connection

Yes, hypertension is on the VA’s presumptive list.

If hypertension is diagnosed within one year of discharge, it is considered a chronic condition and is presumed to be related to military service, making it eligible for VA disability benefits.

For veterans exposed to Agent Orange, hypertension is now recognized as a presumptive condition under the PACT Act, meaning they may qualify for benefits without needing to prove a direct connection.

Additionally, for Gulf War veterans, hypertension can be considered part of the broader category of undiagnosed illnesses or medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illnesses (MUCMI) linked to service in the Gulf War region.

Hypertension as a Secondary Disability

If you’re already service-connected for conditions like PTSD, sleep apnea, diabetes, or kidney disease, and later develop hypertension, you can file a secondary VA claim.

Hypertension is often caused or aggravated by these conditions and the medications used to treat them.

A strong nexus letter from a private provider can help establish the link.

This additional rating can significantly increase your overall combined VA rating.

TDIU for Veterans with Hypertension

If your hypertension or a combination of service-connected conditions prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

To qualify:

• You must have one condition rated at 60% or more or a combined rating of 70% with at least one condition at 40%.

• You must prove your condition(s) prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment.

For example, if your hypertension is rated at 60% and your doctor recommends retirement due to stroke or heart attack risk, you may qualify for TDIU and be paid at the 100% rate.

What to Expect During Your C&P Exam

Your C&P exam for hypertension is mission-critical for securing the VA disability benefits you deserve.

C&P exams can be conducted in-person, via video teleconference, phone call, or through a records-only review (ACE exam).

Here’s what you can expect at your hypertension C&P exam:

• Review of Medical Records: The examiner will review your medical records, including your hypertension diagnosis, treatments, and any related conditions.

• Interview and Questions: You’ll be asked about your medical history, current symptoms (e.g., headaches, dizziness), and various treatments or medications.

• Physical Examination: The examiner will take multiple blood pressure readings and may assess other vital signs. Blood pressure must be measured on at least three different days to confirm hypertension.

• Functional Impairment: The examiner will ask how hypertension affects your daily activities and work.

• Lifestyle Factors: Questions about diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol use will be discussed as they affect blood pressure.

• Assessment of Complications: If you have related complications like heart or kidney disease, the examiner will evaluate these.

The findings, including blood pressure readings and any functional limitations, will be documented on the Hypertension Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) and submitted to the VA for processing.

Related: How to Navigate a C&P Exam for Hypertension

Conclusion & Wrap-Up

If you’re a veteran battling high blood pressure, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options.

Hypertension is the most common chronic condition facing veterans today.

But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it should be overlooked.

This silent killer can wreck your health and your life if left untreated—and if it’s connected to your military service, you deserve the compensation you’ve earned.

Whether your hypertension started during service, showed up within a year of discharge, or was caused or worsened by another service-connected condition like PTSD, sleep apnea, or diabetes, you can get a hypertension VA rating and monthly tax-free compensation.

The VA rating process can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be.

With the right evidence, a clear service connection, strong medical documentation, and a solid understanding of how the VA rates hypertension under Diagnostic Code 7101—you’ll be empowered to take control of your claim and your future.

Don’t ever settle. Don’t suffer in silence. And don’t go it alone.

At VA Claims Insider, we’re here to educate and support you to maximize your benefits and secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.

We’ve supported 25,000+ veterans in increasing their VA rating—YOU could be next!

Let’s get you the VA disability benefits you deserve.

If you need expert help navigating the VA claims process, our team of VA claim coaches is ready to educate and empower you to victory!

✅ If you’re sick and tired of waiting and want expert guidance to get the VA rating and compensation you deserve faster, CALL US RIGHT NOW at 737-295-2226 for a no-obligation VA claim consultation!

Want Expert-Level Support With Your VA Claim? WE GOT YOUR SIX!

How does VA Claims Insider help veterans?

We make the confusing and frustrating VA claim process EASY through our 8-step proprietary system and one-on-one coaching; we’re the VA Claim EXPERTS you can trust, and YOU are never alone in this fight against the VA!

You’ll also receive VA disability expert Brian Reese’s SEM Method Blueprint—a proven formula that has helped over 25,000 veterans win their VA disability claims faster:

Strategy + Education + Medical Evidence = VA Rating and Compensation You Deserve FASTER!

Start today and unlock an exceptional level of service you deserve for serving our country:

➡️ You’ll hear from a VA Claim Expert over email within 15 minutes of signing up today.

➡️ You’ll hear from your Veteran Coach team within 24 hours of all inquiries during normal business days/hours.

➡️ Our terms are simple: IF WE DON’T WIN, YOU DON’T PAY. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Click the red button below to start the process of winning your VA claim right now:

---

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

---

Fellow Veterans: Are You Ready to WIN, SERVICE-CONNECT, and INCREASE Your VA Disability Rating FASTER?

• VA Claims Insider is the #1 most trusted name in VA disability claims.

• Work directly with a VA claims coach who can help lead you to VA claim victory.

• 25,000+ disabled veterans served in our membership programs since 2016.

• 30% average rating increase for veterans who complete our #1 rated Elite program.

• 4.7/5.0 average rating out of 5,500+ total reviews; over 4,500 5-star reviews.

About the Author