VA Rating for Hypertension: Complete Guide for Veterans

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a prevalent condition among veterans. Understanding how VA rates it will help you navigate the process and get your disability benefits.

Is It Hard to Get VA Disability for Hypertension?

Obtaining VA compensation for hypertension can be challenging, but understanding the criteria and preparing thoroughly can improve your chances. VA rates hypertension based on the severity of the condition and the impact it has on the veteran’s health. Key factors in this decision include blood pressure readings and the need for continuous medication.

While the process may seem daunting, gathering the right documentation and understanding the rating criteria can significantly enhance your ability to secure VA compensation.

How Does VA Rate Hypertension?

The ratings can be 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60%, depending on blood pressure readings and the need for continuous medication.

• 0%: This percentage is granted when the veteran has a diagnosis of hypertension related to their military service but they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
• 10% Rating: 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.
• 20% Rating: Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more.
• 40% Rating: Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more.
• 60% Rating: Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more.

Average VA Rating for Hypertension

The average VA rating for hypertension tends to be around 0-10%, reflecting the common need for continuous medication and moderate elevation in blood pressure readings.

VA Rating for Hypertension While on Medication

Medication plays a significant role in managing hypertension, and VA recognizes this in their rating criteria. If a veteran requires continuous medication to control their high blood pressure, this is a 0% rating but VA will assist the veteran in getting medications and provide treatment.

VA will also provide Dependency and Indemnity benefits to eligible surviving dependents if the veteran passes away due to a condition related to their hypertension such as a heart attack or stroke.

Even if the veteran’s hypertension is controlled by medication or lifestyle changes,  they can still be eligible for benefits, such as medications and treatment. They can also apply for secondary conditions.

Agent Orange and Hypertension

For veterans exposed to Agent Orange, hypertension can be considered a presumptive condition under the PACT Act. For more details, please see our dedicated page on hypertension and Agent Orange.

How to Increase Your VA Disability Rating

1. Document Worsening Symptoms: Keep detailed records of your blood pressure readings, any new symptoms, and how your condition has worsened.
2. Medical Re-Evaluation: Obtain updated medical evaluations that reflect the current severity of your hypertension.
3. File a Claim for Increased Rating: Submit a claim with the VA, providing the new medical evidence and documentation of your worsening condition.

Secondary Conditions to Hypertension

Hypertension can lead to secondary conditions that may also qualify for VA disability benefits. See our article on secondary conditions related to hypertension.

TDIU for Hypertension

Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is an option if hypertension severely impacts your ability to work. If your condition is rated at 60% alone or you have another condition at 40% and combined with your hypertension and any other service connected conditions equals a 70% rating, (the hypertension does not need to be 40% – just one of the combined conditions does) and prevents you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU.

TDIU provides benefits at the 100% disability rate even if your combined percentage is less than 100%. Read more about TDIU in our free guide.

Example: How a Veteran Won a Compensable Rating

Read the claim file referenced here.

A veteran who served on active duty from 1977 to 1981 and from 1982 to 1998 filed a claim for service connection for hypertension. Initially, the veteran was granted service connection but assigned a noncompensable (0 percent) rating. He appealed this decision, arguing that he should receive a compensable rating because even with continuous medication, his diastolic readings would average 100 or more.

The veteran testified that his diastolic pressure was 100 or higher when he was first prescribed medication. He provided evidence from his VA treatment records, including a notable reading of 164/105 during an emergency room visit. Although the veteran did not provide private medical records or a detailed diary of his blood pressure, his testimony, combined with the available medical records, was sufficient to meet the criteria for a 10% rating.

The Board granted an increased rating of 10% for the veteran’s service-connected hypertension. The contributing factors to his success included:

• Consistent Medical Evidence: VA treatment records showed elevated blood pressure readings, and the veteran testified about his history of high blood pressure.
• Testimony on Medication Use: The veteran explained that he needed continuous medication to control his blood pressure, which supported the requirement for a compensable rating.
• Key Medical Record: The emergency room reading of 164/105 provided strong evidence that the veteran’s blood pressure could reach compensable levels without medication.

The Board found that the veteran’s hypertension met the criteria for a 10% rating due to the history of diastolic pressure reaching 100 or more, even though his blood pressure was controlled by medication.

Content Reviewed by

Attorney Matthew Hill

Attorney Matthew Hill, licensed in Florida and Washington D.C., a dedicated advocate for disabled veterans with over two decades of experience, reviewed the information in this post.