Winning a Hypertension VA Claim – A Veteran’s Guide

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition that can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. If you’re a veteran diagnosed with hypertension, you may be able to obtain VA benefits for your medical condition.

Is Hypertension a Presumptive Condition?

Certain conditions are considered “presumptive” by VA, meaning they are presumed to be service-connected without the need for specific evidence linking the condition to military service. 

Hypertension is recognized as a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange and other herbicides during their service. Hypertension is also presumptive if it manifests to a minimum rating of 10% within one year of discharge. 

For more detailed information, please see our article on Hypertension and Agent Orange under the PACT Act.

Proving Service Connection for Hypertension

If hypertension is not covered under the presumptive conditions, veterans can establish a entitlement through direct or secondary service connection. 

Hypertension can be secondarily connected to other conditions such as:

• Medical Evidence: Detailed medical records showing a diagnosis of hypertension during or shortly after military service.
• Nexus Letter: A letter from a qualified medical professional linking hypertension to military service.
• Service Medical Records: Documentation of high blood pressure readings or related health issues during service.

Hypertension can also be a secondary condition resulting from other service-connected disabilities. For example, conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or PTSD can lead to or exacerbate hypertension.

To learn more about filing (and winning!) a VA claim, check out our FREE step by step guide.

How to File a VA Claim for Hypertension

• Log in to your VA.gov account.
• Fill out VA Form 21-526EZ, “Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits.”
• Provide detailed information about your hypertension, including when it was first diagnosed and its connection to your service.

Supporting Documents to Upload:

• Medical records and treatment documentation.
• Service medical records showing high blood pressure.
• Nexus letter from your doctor.
• Additional supporting documents, like statements from family or coworkers.

Review your information for accuracy and submit the claim. Keep track of your VA claim status through your VA.gov account, and be prepared to provide additional information or attend a VA Compensation & Pension exam if requested.

How a Veteran Secured a 10% Rating for Hypertension

Read the Claim File Referenced Here

A veteran with active duty service from 1977 to 1981 and again from 1982 to 1998 filed for service connection for hypertension. Initially, the VA granted service connection but assigned a noncompensable (0 percent) rating. The veteran appealed, arguing that his hypertension warranted a compensable rating because his diastolic pressure consistently averaged 100 or more, even while on continuous medication.

The veteran testified that his diastolic readings were 100 or higher when he was first put on medication. He presented VA treatment records, including a critical emergency room reading of 164/105. Although he did not submit private medical records or a detailed log of his blood pressure, his credible testimony and the VA records provided sufficient evidence to support his claim.

As a result, the Board granted a 10% rating for the veteran’s service-connected hypertension. Key factors in the decision included:

• Medical Documentation: VA records consistently showing elevated blood pressure readings.
• Medication Testimony: The veteran’s account of requiring ongoing medication to control his blood pressure.
• Critical Evidence: The emergency room blood pressure reading of 164/105 highlighted the severity of his condition without medication.

The Board concluded that the veteran’s history of diastolic pressure reaching 100 or more, combined with the need for continuous medication, met the criteria for a 10% rating.

VA Denied My Claim, What Do I Do?

If your hypertension claim is denied, don’t lose hope! There are steps you can take to turn things around:

• Understand the Reason for Denial: Carefully review VA’s decision letter to understand why the claim was denied.
• Gather Additional Evidence: Collect any new or missing medical records, statements, or expert opinions that support your claim.
• File an Appeal: Submit a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) and consider seeking legal assistance to strengthen your appeal.

Our legal team may also be able to help. Contact us today to see if we are able to assist you with the appeal.

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.