VA Disability Rating for Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Rated 10/20/40/60% by blood pressure readings. Agent Orange presumptive — added to the AO list via the 2022 PACT Act.
Hypertension (DC 7101) is rated by diastolic/systolic readings. Hypertension is presumptive for Vietnam-era Agent Orange–exposed veterans — added to the Agent Orange list by the PACT Act of 2022. For post-9/11 burn-pit vets, hypertension is NOT on the PACT burn-pit presumptive list; it can still be claimed as secondary to PTSD, sleep apnea, or another service-connected condition.
Presumptive framework applies
Agent Orange presumptive (38 USC § 1116 / 38 CFR § 3.309(e)) — added to the Agent Orange list by the PACT Act of 2022. Applies to veterans with qualifying Vietnam-era service (Vietnam in-country or territorial waters, Thai bases, Korean DMZ 1967–1971, and expanded locations). NOT currently on the post-9/11 burn-pit PACT list, though that list continues to expand.
Check my presumptive eligibility →Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | Diastolic 100+ predominantly, OR systolic 160+ predominantly, OR continuous medication for control (even if current readings are normal with medication). |
| 20% | $356.66 | Diastolic 110+ predominantly, OR systolic 200+ predominantly. |
| 40% | $795.84 | Diastolic 120+ predominantly. |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | Diastolic 130+ predominantly. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 20%: $356.66/mo · $4,280/year, tax-free
- →At 40%: $795.84/mo · $9,550/year, tax-free
- →At 60%: $1,435.02/mo · $17,220/year, tax-free
How to get rated for hypertension (high blood pressure)
- BP readings from multiple visits — the VA looks for "predominant" patterns.
- Medication list is powerful: 10% rating applies if you are on continuous BP meds, regardless of current readings.
- Vietnam-era / Agent Orange–exposed vets: file under presumptive framework — cite 38 CFR § 3.309(e).
Common secondary conditions
- +Coronary artery disease
- +Heart attack / ischemic heart disease
- +Stroke
- +Kidney disease
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Agent Orange: cite the presumption, not mechanism-of-injury.
- Secondary to PTSD: stress-induced HTN is a well-documented pathway.
- Secondary to untreated sleep apnea: similarly well-documented.
- Post-9/11 burn-pit vets with hypertension: file as secondary to a service-connected mental health or sleep apnea condition, or directly with a medical nexus letter.
Frequently asked
I'm on BP meds but my readings are normal. Can I still get rated?
Yes. Continuous medication triggers the 10% rating regardless of current BP readings. The VA recognizes that meds are treating the underlying condition.
I served post-9/11 with burn pit exposure. Is my hypertension presumptive?
Not automatically — hypertension is on the Agent Orange presumptive list (via the PACT Act) but is NOT currently on the post-9/11 burn-pit presumptive list. You can still claim it as secondary to a service-connected condition (PTSD, sleep apnea) or directly with a nexus letter. Use our Presumptive Checker to see all frameworks you may qualify under.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.