Ratings

High blood pressure and your VA rating

Presumptive for many Vietnam-era veterans. The percentage still comes from your readings.

← Back to vsgsolutions.org

What this is

High blood pressure (hypertension) is rated under 38 CFR 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7101. For Vietnam-era veterans, VA now lists it as a presumptive condition from Agent Orange exposure. That means VA presumes the link to your service, and you do not have to prove it. The percentage you are paid still depends on your blood pressure readings.

Who qualifies for the presumption

VA's Agent Orange page lists "high blood pressure (also called hypertension)" as an added presumptive condition. The service requirement is service between 9 January 1962 and 7 May 1975 in the Republic of Vietnam, on inland Vietnamese waterways aboard U.S. military vessels, or at the Korean DMZ (1 September 1967 to 31 August 1971). The PACT Act added more locations with their own dates: Thailand military bases, Laos, Cambodia, Guam, American Samoa and Johnston Atoll. It is not for every era. Check your dates and place on the VA Agent Orange page. If you do not fit, you can still file. You would then need to show the link to your service in the usual way.

What VA pays: the rating scale

From 38 CFR 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7101:

RatingWhat VA looks for
10%Diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, OR systolic predominantly 160 or more, OR the minimum evaluation for a person with a history of diastolic predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control
20%Diastolic predominantly 110 or more, OR systolic predominantly 200 or more
40%Diastolic predominantly 120 or more
60%Diastolic predominantly 130 or more

The dollar amount for each rating is on VA's current compensation rates page (rates effective 1 December 2025). The rates go up each year by the same percentage as the Social Security COLA.

What VA pays: the rating scale

Diastolic pressure predominantly10%10020%11040%12060%130
Diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more: 10%; 110 or more: 20%; 120 or more: 40%; 130 or more: 60%.38 CFR 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7101 ยท Page reviewed September 2026.

Why VA may still send you to an exam

Being on the presumptive list settles the link to service. The rating level is a separate question. VA's claim exam page says VA schedules exams to determine whether you have a service-connected disability and to set your disability rating. Under the rule, hypertension must be confirmed by readings taken two or more times on at least three different days. "Hypertension" means diastolic pressure predominantly 90 or more. "Isolated systolic hypertension" means systolic predominantly 160 or more with diastolic under 90.

VA's page also says that if there is enough medical evidence, VA may use its Acceptable Clinical Evidence (ACE) process and skip an exam. Your blood pressure readings in your medical records help either way.

Conditions tied to hypertension

Kidney and heart conditions have their own rating levels. See kidney conditions VA ratings and heart conditions VA ratings. Other artery and vein conditions, such as peripheral artery disease and Raynaud’s, are on arteries and veins VA ratings.

How to get it, step by step

  1. Gather your DD-214 (it shows where and when you served) and your medical records showing high blood pressure readings and any medication.
  2. File a claim online, by mail, in person or with an accredited representative: How to file a VA disability claim. VA says you have up to a year from the day it receives your claim to turn in evidence.
  3. Go to the claim exam if VA schedules one. If you miss it, VA may decide on the evidence it has. VA reschedules for good cause. Tell the medical center or contractor at least 48 hours ahead to reschedule.
  4. If VA denied you before, and the condition is now presumptive, file a Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995). VA does not require you to wait for VA to contact you.

Deadlines and traps

Where to call and where to go

Phone

Official pages

Free accredited help

Sources