Data provided by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) indicates that an estimated 71% of veterans receive care and treatment for hypertension — or high blood pressure. This is higher than the general population and can be a primary condition or contributing condition for veteran disabilities. Veterans who struggle with hypertension may be eligible for a service-connected disability claim due to their condition and many want to know — what is the VA disability rating for hypertension? VA Benefits Attorneys is here to provide answers.

How Does the VA Rate Hypertension and High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension — also known as high blood pressure — is a common medical condition that impacts many veterans. This medical condition is defined by a Diastolic blood pressure of 90 or higher and a Systolic blood pressure of 160 or higher. To be diagnosed with hypertension, a veteran must have a blood pressure within those parameters that is measured on three separate days. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employs Diagnostic Code 7101 to provide affected veterans with a disability rating for high blood pressure based on these numbers. 

What Are the VA Ratings for Hypertension? 

When the Department of Veterans Affairs provides veterans with a disability rating for hypertension, it can range from 0% to 60% based on the severity of the symptoms and the veteran’s blood pressure numbers.

Here is a better look at the VA disability ratings that veterans may receive:

• 0% Rating — Veterans who have been diagnosed with hypertension, but do not meet the medical thresholds may receive this rating. 
• 10% Rating — Veterans who consistently have a diastolic rating above 100 or a systolic rating above 160 receive this rating; or veterans with a history of diastolic pressure above 100 that requires medication.
• 20% Rating — Veterans have a diastolic pressure that is consistently above 110 or a systolic pressure above 200.
• 40% Rating — The veteran has a diastolic pressure that is consistently measured at 120 or higher.
• 60% Rating — The veteran has a diastolic pressure that consistently measures higher than 130.

Is Hypertension a Primary or Secondary Condition for Veterans?

Hypertension is a common medical condition among veterans that can be claimed as a primary or secondary condition for veteran disability claims. Hypertension as a primary medical condition can be caused by a variety of factors that include added stress, exposure to toxins, addiction to caffeine, or other elements of a military lifestyle. Hypertension as a secondary medical condition can be caused or related to many primary disabilities that can include PTSD, sleep apnea, and more. In addition — high blood pressure can cause many secondary medical conditions like heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, or peripheral artery disease. 

READ MORE: Can Veterans Get Disability for Substance Abuse? 

If you are a veteran with high blood pressure and diagnosed hypertension, you may be asking — what is the VA disability rating for hypertension? This overview created by VA Benefits Attorneys will help answer your questions. Contact VA Benefits Attorneys today for help with your disability claim!