YOUR CONDITION, EXPLAINED
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) VA Disability Rating
The VA rates Hypertension under diagnostic code 7101, in 38 CFR § 4.104 (cardiovascular system), and the schedule provides four evaluation levels for it: 60%, 40%, 20% and 10%.
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A CLEARER PATH FORWARD
Make sense of your next step.
01Understand the rating02Know what to gather03Prepare for your examTHE ESSENTIALS
How the VA rates Hypertension
Hypertension is chronically elevated blood pressure that, left unmanaged, raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. It's one of the most common VA claims, both filed directly and as a PACT Act presumptive condition for many Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange.
The VA rating turns on your diastolic and systolic blood pressure readings, but critically, it requires at least three readings taken on at least three different days - a single elevated reading at one appointment isn't enough. The rating tier is set by whichever reading pattern you consistently show, not your highest-ever spike.
- Diagnostic code
- 7101
- Rating schedule
- 38 CFR § 4.104
- Schedule levels
- 60%, 40%, 20% and 10%
How does the VA choose a rating level?
Which level applies is set by the criteria the evidence meets, not by the diagnosis. Where there is a question as to which of two evaluations applies, 38 CFR § 4.7 assigns the higher one if the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating.
This code prints no 0% row. Under 38 CFR § 4.31, a 0% evaluation is assigned where the requirements for a compensable evaluation are not met.
EXPLORE THE PERCENTAGES
Hypertension VA rating criteria (DC 7101)
Choose a percentage to see what that level means. Open the full comparison to read all the criteria in one place.
These are published rating criteria. Selecting a level does not predict your VA decision.
IN THE REGULATION’S OWN WORDS
What 38 CFR also says about Hypertension
The notes 38 CFR Part 4 prints with these criteria, quoted. They govern how the evaluation is made without being a rating level themselves.
- “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.”DC 7101
- “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.”DC 7101
- “Note (3): Evaluate hypertension separately from hypertensive heart disease and other types of heart disease.”DC 7101
BUILD YOUR EVIDENCE, ONE PIECE AT A TIME
Evidence for your Hypertension claim
A long list feels easier when you have a place to start. Use this checklist to see what you have and what still needs gathering.
Check off what you’ve gathered. Progress stays on this page until you leave or refresh.
A LITTLE PREPARATION HELPS
What the C&P examiner will ask about Hypertension
Think through your own experience before exam day. Open a question to see what the examiner is assessing and which details are useful to describe accurately.
TreatmentWhat medications do you take for high blood pressure and how well controlled is it?
Determining blood pressure control level and medication requirements for rating.
- Bring list of all blood pressure medications and dosages
- Bring recent blood pressure readings from home monitoring
- Mention any side effects from medications
- Describe any heart-related symptoms or complications
- Not bringing blood pressure logs or medication lists
- Not mentioning medication side effects that affect daily life
- Forgetting to describe any chest pain or heart symptoms
THE EXAM FORM
Which DBQ is used for Hypertension?
VA's page says: “You can use these forms to submit medical evidence from your health care providers.”
Source: VA: Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), read September 18, 2026.
SMALL DETAILS. BETTER PREPARATION.
Preparing your Hypertension claim
Start with the practical tips, then explore the common oversights. You don’t need to work through everything at once.
Practical tips for your claim3 tips
- 01
Submit blood pressure readings from at least three separate days, since the VA specifically requires this pattern before it will assign a rating above the presumptive baseline.
- 02
Provide a full medication history - the type and dosage of blood pressure medication you're prescribed can support the severity of the underlying condition even when medicated readings look better.
- 03
If you served during the Vietnam era, explicitly connect your claim to Agent Orange presumptive exposure - this can remove the need to prove direct service causation.
C&P exam pitfalls to keep in mind2 tips
- 01
Having only a single high reading in the file - the VA's own rating criteria require multiple readings on different days, so one data point is rarely enough to support a rating.
- 02
Not documenting readings that spike during daily life (versus a single calm office visit), which can understate how variable and serious the condition actually is.
Common filing mistakes2 tips
- 01
Submitting only your most recent or most dramatic reading instead of a full log across multiple visits, which is what the diagnostic code actually requires.
- 02
Not raising Agent Orange presumptive service connection when it applies - Vietnam-era veterans in particular can qualify without having to prove direct causation.
When symptoms may first appear2 tips
- 01
Hypertension often first appears during periods of high operational stress or shortly after a deployment, before settling into a chronic pattern.
- 02
It can also go undiagnosed for years, since high blood pressure frequently has no noticeable symptoms - many veterans first learn about it at a routine VA or private physical long after service.
WHEN VA HOLDS THE LINK
After a service-connected lower-extremity amputation
38 CFR 3.310(c): “Ischemic heart disease or other cardiovascular disease developing in a veteran who has a service-connected amputation of one lower extremity at or above the knee or service-connected amputations of both lower extremities at or above the ankles, shall be held to be the proximate result of the service-connected amputation or amputations.”
38 CFR 3.310(c) does not define "other cardiovascular disease". The rating schedule evaluates Hypertension in its cardiovascular section, 38 CFR 4.104.
- DC 5160
Complete Amputation of the Lower Extremity (Hip Disarticulation or Trans-Pelvic)
One service-connected amputation at this level meets the rule.
- DC 5161
Amputation of Thigh at Upper Third
One service-connected amputation at this level meets the rule.
- DC 5162
Amputation of Thigh at Middle or Lower Third
One service-connected amputation at this level meets the rule.
- DC 5163
Amputation of Leg, with Defective Stump
Below the knee: meets the rule only with service-connected amputations of both lower extremities at or above the ankles.
- DC 5164
Leg Amputation Not Improvable by Prosthesis Controlled by Natural Knee Action
Below the knee: meets the rule only with service-connected amputations of both lower extremities at or above the ankles.
SECONDARY TO SOMETHING ELSE
Conditions that can lead to Hypertension
Each links to a page on claiming Hypertension as secondary to that condition.
YOUR SERVICE STORY
Military jobs associated with Hypertension
More by branch: Army · Marines · Air Force · Navy · Coast Guard · Space Force
THE BROADER PICTURE
Hypertension by the numbers
- Approval outlook
- Moderate – common condition, easier with consistent readings.
- Service-connected disabilities (VBA count)
- 845,750 disabilities
- Typical rating awarded
- ~20%
Count of service-connected disabilities from the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), as of September 30, 2025; the report counts disabilities, not veterans. Approval outlook and typical rating are Vetrify editorial estimates, not official VA statistics.
LET’S CLEAR A FEW THINGS UP
Common questions about Hypertension
Is High Blood Pressure a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Hypertension under VASRD diagnostic code 7101 (Cardiovascular System). Hypertension is chronically elevated blood pressure that, left unmanaged, raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. It's one of the most common VA claims, both filed directly and as a PACT Act presumptive condition for many Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange.
What VA disability rating can I get for High Blood Pressure?
Possible VA ratings for Hypertension are 60%, 40%, 20%, 10%, 0%. The 0% level comes from 38 CFR 4.31, which assigns it wherever no compensable level is met. Examples: 60%: Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more; 40%: Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more; 20%: Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or; systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for High Blood Pressure?
Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Hypertension at around 20%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. Per the VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), veterans receiving VA compensation as of September 30, 2025 had 845,750 service-connected disabilities rated as Hypertension. The report counts disabilities, not veterans. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate – common condition, easier with consistent readings.
What evidence helps prove High Blood Pressure for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Hypertension claim includes: Blood pressure readings from primary care visits across multiple dates - this is the core evidence the rating schedule requires; VA Compensation & Pension exam results, where the examiner takes their own set of readings; A treatment and medication history showing what's been prescribed and how consistently blood pressure has stayed elevated despite treatment.
Which DBQ is used for High Blood Pressure?
VA's Hypertension Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is on its public list of DBQs. VA's page says: "You can use these forms to submit medical evidence from your health care providers."
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming High Blood Pressure?
Common pitfalls when filing for Hypertension: Submitting only your most recent or most dramatic reading instead of a full log across multiple visits, which is what the diagnostic code actually requires; Not raising Agent Orange presumptive service connection when it applies - Vietnam-era veterans in particular can qualify without having to prove direct causation.
Is High Blood Pressure a presumptive condition for VA benefits?
Yes, for a veteran who meets a presumption's conditions. 38 CFR 3.309(a) names "Cardiovascular-renal disease, including hypertension" among the chronic diseases, for a veteran with 90 days or more of continuous active service in a war period or after December 31, 1946, if it became manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more within the window 38 CFR 3.307(a)(3) sets, one year from separation for most (38 CFR 3.307(a)(1)). 38 CFR 3.309(c)(1) names "hypertensive vascular disease" among the diseases specific to former prisoners of war, if it became manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more at any time after discharge. 38 U.S.C. 1116(a)(2) names "Hypertension" among the diseases associated with herbicide agents, for a veteran with covered service under 38 U.S.C. 1116(d), 1116A or 1116B: Vietnam and its offshore waters, U.S. or Royal Thai bases in Thailand, Laos, Mimot or Krek in Cambodia, Guam or American Samoa or their territorial waters, Johnston Atoll or a ship that called there, and in or near the Korean DMZ, each in its own period. 38 CFR 3.309(e) does not name it in its August 1, 2026 edition; the statute does. Each presumption gives way to affirmative evidence to the contrary (38 CFR 3.307(d); 38 U.S.C. 1113).
Does VA hold Hypertension to be the result of a service-connected lower-extremity amputation?
38 CFR 3.310(c): "Ischemic heart disease or other cardiovascular disease developing in a veteran who has a service-connected amputation of one lower extremity at or above the knee or service-connected amputations of both lower extremities at or above the ankles, shall be held to be the proximate result of the service-connected amputation or amputations." 38 CFR 3.310(c) does not define "other cardiovascular disease". The rating schedule evaluates Hypertension in its cardiovascular section, 38 CFR 4.104.
What conditions can be secondary to High Blood Pressure?
Conditions that can be service-connected as secondary to Hypertension, when a medical opinion links them, include: Chronic Kidney Disease. A secondary condition gets its own rating, which VA combines with the veteran's other ratings under 38 CFR 4.25.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.104, Schedule of ratings, cardiovascular system (Diagnostic Code 7101)
- 38 CFR § 4.7, higher of two evaluations
- 38 CFR § 4.31, zero percent evaluations
- 38 CFR § 3.310(c), cardiovascular disease after a service-connected lower-extremity amputation
- 38 CFR 3.309(a), presumptive service connection
- 38 CFR 3.309(c)(1), presumptive service connection
- 38 U.S.C. 1116(a)(2), presumptive service connection
- VBA Annual Benefits Report (FY2025), service-connected disabilities count, as of September 30, 2025
Criteria in quotation marks are the regulation’s own words; everything else on this page is Vetrify’s summary of it. The eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
How these figures are checked: our methodology and the open dataset.
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