VASRD 7101 · Cardiovascular System

Hypertension VA Disability Rating

High blood pressure that can cause serious heart and kidney problems.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
60%Extremely high blood pressure
40%Very high blood pressure
20%Moderately high blood pressure
10%Mild high blood pressure

How the VA Evaluates Hypertension

Multiple blood pressure readings taken on different days showing elevated levels.

Approval rate

Moderate – common condition, easier with consistent readings.

Annual service-connected

320,000 veterans

Average rating

20%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Blood pressure logs from primary care
  • •VA C&P exam results
  • •Treatment history and medication use

Strategy Tips

  • •Submit multiple high readings from different dates
  • •Show medication history
  • •Mention any lifestyle impacts

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Only one high reading on file
  • •Not listing daily blood pressure spikes

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Not listing all readings
  • •No link to service exposure for Vietnam-era vets

Onset Patterns

  • •Often starts during high-stress periods or post-deployment
  • •Can go undiagnosed until later years

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Hypertension. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Heart Disease

    Prolonged hypertension can damage heart vessels

  • Chronic Kidney Disease

    Elevated pressure harms kidney filtration

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Hypertension is frequently claimed.

Army00ERecruiterArmy00RRecruiter/Retention NCOArmy00ZCommand Sergeant Major NominativeArmy13ZField Artillery Senior SergeantArmy14ZAir Defense Artillery Senior SergeantArmy15PAviation Operations SpecialistArmy15QAir Traffic Control OperatorArmy18ZSpecial Forces Senior SergeantArmy19ZArmor Senior SergeantArmy25ZVisual Information Operations ChiefArmy27AJudge AdvocateArmy27DParalegal Specialist

Common questions about Hypertension

Is Hypertension a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Hypertension under VASRD diagnostic code 7101 (Cardiovascular System). High blood pressure that can cause serious heart and kidney problems.
What VA disability rating can I get for Hypertension?
Possible VA ratings for Hypertension are 60%, 40%, 20%, 10%. Examples: 60% — Extremely high blood pressure; 40% — Very high blood pressure; 20% — Moderately high blood pressure.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Hypertension?
The average awarded rating for Hypertension is 20%. Roughly 320,000 veterans are service-connected for Hypertension each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – common condition, easier with consistent readings..
What evidence helps prove Hypertension for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Hypertension claim includes: Blood pressure logs from primary care; VA C&P exam results; Treatment history and medication use.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Hypertension?
Common pitfalls when filing for Hypertension: Not listing all readings; No link to service exposure for Vietnam-era vets.
Is Hypertension a presumptive condition for VA benefits?
Yes — Hypertension is recognized as a presumptive condition. Presumptive for Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Hypertension?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Hypertension include: Heart Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Hypertension combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

Open the calculator