Guide by NexusVetClaims, an independent education and claim-prep site. Confirm the current rating criteria and payment amounts with these primary sources:
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 pressure predominantly 100 or more, OR systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, OR a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more requiring continuous medication for control. |
| 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 2.8% 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.
- For the 10% medication route, document both continuous medication for control and a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more. Medication alone does not meet this criterion.
- 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.
What the letter has to say
A nexus letter is the medical opinion tying your hypertension (high blood pressure) to your service. It is the piece most claims turn on, and the piece most often written in wording the VA throws out. Our free guide walks through what the letter has to establish.
See what hypertension (high blood pressure) nexus letters must say →Frequently asked
I'm on BP meds but my readings are normal. Can I still get rated?
Possibly. DC 7101 provides a minimum 10% evaluation when you have a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more and require continuous medication for control. Normal readings on medication do not rule that out, but medication alone does not meet this criterion.
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.
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.