VA Secondary Conditions to Hypertension

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a prevalent condition among veterans and can lead to a range of secondary health issues. Understanding these secondary conditions is essential for veterans seeking to maximize their VA disability benefits. 

What Conditions are Secondary to Hypertension?

Hypertension can lead to a variety of secondary conditions, each with its own implications for health and disability claims. Find below twenty secondary conditions that may be connected to hypertension.

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant secondary condition that can result from prolonged hypertension. High blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste from the blood effectively.
• Sleep Apnea is another condition that can develop due to hypertension. The relationship between these conditions is bidirectional, with each potentially exacerbating the other. 
• Heart Disease is a broad category that includes conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Hypertension is a major risk factor for developing heart disease, because it puts extra strain on the heart and arteries, leading to damage over time.
• Strokes are an increased risk because of damage to the blood vessels in the brain due to hypertension. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting enough oxygen and nutrients.
• Aneurysms are bulges in the wall of an artery. High blood pressure can weaken the walls of the arteries, leading to aneurysms, which can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. 
• Gout is a form of arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the blood, which forms crystals in the joints. Hypertension and certain medications used to treat high blood pressure can increase the risk of developing gout. 
• Retinopathy is when there is damage to the blood vessels in the retina, causing vision problems and, in rare cases, even blindness. 
• Vascular Dementia is a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, resulting in cognitive decline. 
• Hypertensive Heart Disease includes complications such as left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure and ischemic heart disease, all which are caused by prolonged high blood pressure. 
• Erectile Dysfunction occurs when there is damage to blood vessels and reduced blood flow to the penis.
• Chronic Headaches often occur due to increased pressure on the blood vessels in the brain, caused by persistent high blood pressure.
• Diabetes Complications like neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy can often occur when an individual suffers from both hypertension and diabetes.
• Liver Disease like cirrhosis and liver failure, can be exacerbated by high blood pressure, especially portal hypertension.
• Agnia is when there is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles.
• Atherosclerosis is when fat, cholesterol and other substances build up on artery walls, restricting blood flow. Hypertension can accelerate this process, which will increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Cardiomyopathy is when it becomes more difficult for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. Hypertension can lead to hypertensive cardiomyopathy.
• Pulmonary Hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. 
• Hypertensive Encephalopathy is a condition where severely high blood pressure causes brain swelling and dysfunction, often leading to symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting and altered mental status.
• Chronic Venous Insufficiency occurs when the veins in the legs cannot pump enough blood back to the heart, which can be worsened by hypertension.

Service Connecting Secondary Conditions Related to Hypertension

To establish a service connection for secondary conditions caused by hypertension, you must provide the following evidence.

• Primary Service-Connected Condition: You have a diagnosis of hypertension that is service-connected.
• Secondary Condition Diagnosis: You have a medical diagnosis of the secondary condition (e.g., chronic kidney disease, sleep apnea, heart disease).
• Nexus Between Conditions: There is medical evidence linking the secondary condition to your service-connected hypertension. A nexus letter from a healthcare provider can be crucial in establishing this link.

There are many disabilities, from chronic kidney disease to sleep apnea, that can be linked to hypertension. Proper documentation, medical evidence from records, the C&P exam and other medical opinions, and a strong nexus letter are essential for establishing service connection and obtaining VA benefits for these secondary conditions. To learn more, check out our FREE ebook The Road to VA Compensation Benefits.

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.