VA rates hypertension (high blood pressure) under Diagnostic Code 7101 (38 CFR 4.104) from 10% to 60%, based on your diastolic and systolic readings. The provision most veterans miss: a 10% minimum if you have a history of high readings and need continuous medication — even when the meds now control it.
Straight talk first
Two things make hypertension worth claiming even when it "feels controlled." First, the continuous-medication rule: if you have a documented history of diastolic readings predominantly 100+ and you're on daily medication, that's a 10% floor — the meds working doesn't erase the rating. Second, how you claim it matters: hypertension is a PACT Act presumptive for certain Agent Orange-exposed veterans, and a common secondary to other conditions. Pick the lane your service supports.
This is the hypertension cut of how VA rates conditions.
How the rating works (DC 7101)
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 130+ |
| 40% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 120+ |
| 20% | Diastolic predominantly 110+, or systolic predominantly 200+ |
| 10% | Diastolic predominantly 100+, or systolic predominantly 160+, or a history of diastolic 100+ requiring continuous medication |
The medication rule — don't skip it
The 10% minimum for a veteran with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100+ who requires continuous medication is the most overlooked piece. Your blood pressure being well-managed now doesn't disqualify you — the documented history plus the ongoing medication is what earns it.
Direct, presumptive, or secondary?
- Presumptive — hypertension is a PACT Act presumptive for certain Agent Orange-exposed veterans (see Agent Orange and the PACT Act).
- Secondary — to another service-connected condition, under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Direct — onset or link to service.
Complications (heart conditions) are rated under their own cardiovascular codes, which can add value. See how to file your own claim, then run it through the VA Combined Rating Calculator.
Key takeaways
- Hypertension (DC 7101) is rated 10%–60% by diastolic/systolic readings.
- A history of high readings + continuous medication secures a 10% minimum even when controlled.
- It can be presumptive (Agent Orange/PACT), secondary, or direct — pick the lane.
- 60% is the max for hypertension itself; heart complications are rated separately.
Frequently asked questions
- How does VA rate high blood pressure?
- Hypertension is rated under Diagnostic Code 7101 (38 CFR 4.104) by your blood-pressure readings: 10% for diastolic predominantly 100+ or systolic predominantly 160+; 20% for diastolic 110+ or systolic 200+; 40% for diastolic 120+; and 60% for diastolic 130+. There's also a 10% minimum for someone with a history of diastolic 100+ who needs continuous medication.
- Can I get a rating if my medication controls my blood pressure?
- Yes. DC 7101 includes a 10% minimum for a veteran with a documented history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control — even if the medication now keeps the numbers down. The history plus the ongoing medication is the key.
- Is hypertension often a secondary condition?
- Yes. Hypertension is frequently claimed as secondary to other service-connected conditions and is also a PACT Act presumptive for certain Agent Orange-exposed veterans. The right lane depends on your service and your other ratings.
- What's the highest hypertension rating?
- 60% is the maximum under DC 7101, for diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more. Related heart conditions are rated under their own cardiovascular codes, so complications from long-standing hypertension may add value beyond the 7101 number.
Sources
- 38 CFR 4.104 — schedule of ratings, cardiovascular system (DC 7101, hypertension): https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/4.104
- 38 CFR 3.310 — secondary service connection: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-3/subpart-A/section-3.310
- VA — The PACT Act and your VA benefits (hypertension presumptive): https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
- 38 CFR 4.25 — combined ratings table: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-4/subpart-A/section-4.25
