Evidence Checklist: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
DC 7101
Significant gaps — claim likely to be denied or underrated
Specialist Opinion (Highest Value)
Nexus opinion linking hypertension to service or service-connected conditionCritical
Medical opinion connecting hypertension to service or to a service-connected condition (PTSD, sleep apnea, kidney disease, diabetes).
Treating Physician
Treating physician statement on severity
Your doctor's assessment of the severity and course of your hypertension.
Treatment Records
Multiple blood pressure readings over timeCritical
Documented blood pressure measurements taken on multiple occasions showing predominantly elevated readings. The VA looks at "predominant" readings.
Continuous medication recordsCritical
Prescription records showing ongoing antihypertensive medication use. Required for the minimum 10% rating if current readings are controlled.
Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)
Completed DBQ Hypertension
Standardized form capturing blood pressure readings and treatment.
Service Records
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical
Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.