Claiming Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)?
Create a free account to organize your evidence and download your conditions summary.
VA Rating Tiers
60%
forty percent
40%
forty percent
20%
twenty percent
10%
ten percent
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›60%: Diastolic pressure 130 or higher — or diastolic 120+ with documented end-organ damage. DC 7101.
- ›40%: Diastolic pressure 120 or higher. DC 7101.
- ›20%: Diastolic pressure 110–119. DC 7101.
- ›10%: Diastolic pressure 100–109 — or systolic 160–199 — or continuous antihypertensive medication required. DC 7101.
- ›0%: Diastolic below 100 and systolic below 160 — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 7101: Rated based on diastolic pressure primarily.
- ›VA requires two or more separate BP readings — one reading is not sufficient for a rating.
- ›Being on medication that controls BP does not eliminate the rating — the underlying condition still exists.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •Hypertension is rated strictly on blood pressure readings — diastolic and systolic thresholds determine the rating.
- •VA requires two separate BP readings to establish a rating; a single reading is not sufficient.
- •Hypertension can be secondary to sleep apnea or PTSD — a nexus letter from a doctor strengthens the claim.
- •Medication use alone does not determine the rating; actual controlled/uncontrolled BP readings matter.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •in-service medical records documenting elevated blood pressure
- •sick call records for headaches or dizziness
- •separation physical showing blood pressure readings
Medical Evidence
- •current blood pressure readings from primary care (multiple readings over time)
- •cardiology records or notes
- •pharmacy records showing antihypertensive medications
- •home blood pressure log if available
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •statement describing when elevated blood pressure was first identified
- •statement describing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or fatigue
- •statement connecting service stress or conditions to blood pressure onset
Diagnostic Tests
- •blood pressure readings (multiple)
- •EKG or echocardiogram (if complications)
- •kidney function labs (BMP or CMP)
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Cardiovascular
Be ready to describe
- •when high blood pressure was first diagnosed
- •what medications you take and whether they control your BP
- •your typical BP readings (systolic and diastolic)
- •any related conditions such as PTSD or sleep apnea
Prep notes
- •Bring your blood pressure log if you take readings at home.
- •List all medications including dosages.
- •Do not take extra medication before the exam to lower your BP — the examiner should see your typical readings.
- •If secondary to PTSD or sleep apnea, mention that connection clearly.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 7101
- Category
- Cardiovascular
- Subcategory
- Vascular
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 60%
Also Known As
high blood pressureHTNelevated blood pressurecardiovascular hypertension
Related Conditions
Secondary to
Commonly leads to
📋
Organize your claim
Add Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) to your claim and answer guided questions to build your evidence package.
Get Started Free