Hypertension (VA Rating) — DC 7101
Hypertension is rated by the VA under DC 7101 at 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60%. Daily blood pressure medication alone qualifies for 10%.
Official source: ecfr.gov
Hypertension means high blood pressure. The VA rates it under Diagnostic Code 7101 at 10%, 20%, 40%, or 60% based on how high your readings are. Even when daily medication keeps your numbers normal, you still qualify for at least a 10% rating ($180.42 per month in 2026) as long as you need that medication every day.
Here are the tiers. A 10% rating ($180.42) applies when your diastolic (bottom number) is usually 100 or higher, or your systolic (top number) is usually 160 or higher, or you take daily medication to control your blood pressure (even if it works perfectly). A 20% rating ($356.66) applies when your diastolic is usually 110 or higher, or your systolic is usually 200 or higher. A 40% rating ($795.84) applies when your diastolic is usually 120 or higher. A 60% rating ($1,435.01) applies when your diastolic is usually 130 or higher.
The VA needs to see readings taken on at least three separate days. One high reading at a single appointment is not enough. Keep a blood pressure log and bring it to your C&P exam so the examiner can include it in the report.
PACT Act update: if you were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, or certain other hazardous materials during service, hypertension may now be a presumptive condition for you, meaning you do not have to prove your military service caused it. Hypertension also commonly qualifies as a secondary condition to PTSD, sleep apnea, or kidney disease. If you are already service-connected for one of those, file hypertension as a secondary claim.
In real life
- A Vietnam veteran controlling blood pressure with daily medication qualifies for a 10% PACT-Act presumptive rating worth $180.42 per month.
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Frequently asked questions about Hypertension (VA Rating)
Does the VA pay for hypertension if medication controls it?+
Yes. If you take daily blood pressure medication, you qualify for at least a 10% rating under Diagnostic Code 7101, worth $180.42 per month in 2026, even when the medication keeps your readings normal.
Is hypertension a PACT Act presumptive condition?+
Yes. The PACT Act added hypertension as a presumptive condition for veterans with qualifying burn pit, Agent Orange, or other toxic exposure. You do not need to prove the connection between service and the diagnosis.
How many blood pressure readings does the VA need?+
At least three separate readings on three separate days. Bring a blood pressure log to your C&P exam so the examiner can include the readings in the rating decision packet.
Can hypertension be a secondary VA condition?+
Yes. Hypertension is commonly secondary to PTSD, sleep apnea, kidney disease, or chronic pain. A Nexus Letter from your treating provider linking the primary condition to your blood pressure supports the secondary claim.
What is the highest VA rating for hypertension?+
60%, worth $1,435.01 per month in 2026, awarded when diastolic readings are usually 130 or higher. Higher overall pay generally comes from also rating heart, kidney, or stroke complications separately.
Source: ecfr.gov