Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

DC 7101Cardiovascular38 CFR 4.104, DC 7101

Chronically elevated blood pressure. The VA rates hypertension based on your diastolic and systolic blood pressure readings and whether you need continuous medication.

Rating Levels

Your diastolic pressure is predominantly 130 or more.

What the VA looks for

Diastolic pressure predominantly 130+
Hypertensive crisis or emergency episodes

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not understanding that most veterans with controlled hypertension receive 10% — if medication controls your blood pressure below 100/160, you still qualify for 10% based on medication requirement.
⚠Not documenting blood pressure readings consistently — the VA looks at "predominant" readings, so multiple measurements over time matter.
⚠Missing secondary connection to PTSD, sleep apnea, kidney disease, or diabetes — hypertension is commonly secondary to these conditions.
⚠Hypertension is a presumptive condition for Agent Orange exposure veterans and a chronic disease presumptive within 1 year of separation.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hypertension

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…