How VA rates hypertension (DC 7101)
Hypertension is rated under 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7101 based on blood pressure readings:
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more |
| 40% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more |
| 20% | Diastolic predominantly 110 or more, or systolic predominantly 200 or more |
| 10% | Diastolic predominantly 100 or more, or systolic predominantly 160 or more, or a history of diastolic 100+ requiring continuous medication for control |
The diagnosis must be confirmed by readings taken two or more times on at least three different days. Because medication usually controls blood pressure, many veterans are rated at 10% based on their pre-medication history, so the old readings in your records matter.
Paths to service connection
- Presumptive (Agent Orange): The PACT Act added hypertension to the Agent Orange presumptive list. If you served in a qualifying location (such as Vietnam, Thailand bases, Laos, certain Cambodian provinces, or Guam/American Samoa during set dates), you don't need to prove a medical link. See our PACT Act guide.
- Direct: Elevated readings during service, or a diagnosis within one year of discharge. Hypertension is a "chronic disease" that can be presumed if it reaches 10% within a year (38 CFR § 3.309(a)).
- Secondary: Hypertension caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition, such as kidney disease, or in some cases by PTSD, sleep apnea, or medications. These claims usually need a well-reasoned medical opinion.
Related conditions
Hypertension is rated separately from hypertensive heart disease. If hypertension has caused heart or kidney damage, those may be separately ratable.
If you were previously denied, the PACT Act may let you file a Supplemental Claim.
Official sources
38 CFR 4.104 · VA: Agent Orange presumptive conditions · VA: PACT Act
Rating criteria summarized for general information. Read the full regulation for details. Last reviewed October 2026.