VA Disability Rating for Hypertension: 2026 Guide

High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most commonly service-connected VA disabilities. It can be connected directly to service, as a presumptive condition for Agent Orange exposure, or as secondary to other service-connected conditions like PTSD.

The VA Hypertension Rating Scale (DC 7101)

Readings Are Everything

The VA requires at least two separate readings taken on at least two separate occasions. Your C&P exam reading matters, but so do your VA healthcare records. If you have consistently high readings in your medical records, make sure the rater has access to them. Don't take blood pressure medication before your C&P exam, your rating should reflect your actual blood pressure, not your medicated level.

Agent Orange Presumptive

As of January 2022, hypertension is a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange (or other tactical herbicides). This means Vietnam-era veterans, certain Thailand veterans, and others on the Agent Orange exposure list can get service connection without proving a nexus, just the diagnosis and a qualifying deployment are sufficient. Use the PACT Act hypertension presumptive checker to verify whether your service qualifies, and see the full list of covered conditions in our PACT Act presumptive conditions guide.

Secondary to PTSD, Stress, or Kidney Disease

Hypertension secondary to PTSD is commonly approved. PTSD causes chronic physiological stress responses that elevate blood pressure over time. A nexus letter from your treating psychiatrist or primary care physician stating hypertension is "at least as likely as not" caused or aggravated by PTSD is usually sufficient.

Hypertension also commonly develops alongside diabetes (often co-occurring) as part of a broader metabolic cluster, veterans service-connected for diabetes can file for hypertension as a secondary condition with supporting medical records.

What Evidence the VA Needs

The single most important piece of evidence for a hypertension claim is a consistent record of elevated blood pressure readings taken on at least two separate occasions. The VA uses DC 7101 and bases the rating entirely on diastolic and systolic thresholds:

• 10%: Diastolic pressure 100-109, or systolic 160-199, the most common rating awarded
• 20%: Diastolic 110-119, or systolic 200+
• 40%: Diastolic 120 or more
• 60%: Requires two or more medications, diastolic 130+, or evidence of cardiovascular damage

Bring your full VA treatment records and any private physician notes documenting blood pressure history to your C&P exam. A home blood pressure log showing persistent elevation outside of office visits can also strengthen the record.

Secondary Conditions from Hypertension

Long-standing hypertension can cause its own secondary conditions worth rating separately. Hypertensive heart disease (rated under DC 7007) and chronic kidney disease from high blood pressure can each add meaningful percentages to a combined rating. If your hypertension has caused organ damage, document that separately in your claim file.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VA rating for hypertension?

Hypertension is rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60% under Diagnostic Code 7101, based on your diastolic blood pressure readings and systolic readings taken at C&P exams.

How much does 10% hypertension pay in 2026?

A 10% VA disability rating pays $175.51 per month in 2026. Most veterans receive a 10% rating for hypertension, which is the lowest compensable level.

Is hypertension a presumptive condition for Agent Orange?

Yes. Hypertension is a presumptive service-connected condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange who served in Vietnam, Thailand, or other covered locations during specified periods.

Can hypertension be secondary to PTSD?

Yes. Chronic stress from PTSD causes elevated blood pressure. Veterans with service-connected PTSD can file for hypertension as secondary to PTSD with a supporting nexus letter.