Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition that affects many veterans due to the physical and emotional stresses of military service.
The VA rating for hypertension helps determine the level of compensation veterans can receive if their high blood pressure is service-connected. Understanding the VA’s guidelines and requirements is essential to filing a successful claim. This article explains how the VA disability rating for hypertension works, how to service connect hypertension, and how the PACT Act impacts claims for this condition.
VA Rating for Hypertension: An Overview
The VA assigns disability ratings for hypertension based on the severity of the condition and its impact on the veteran’s health. The ratings range from 0% to 60%, depending on blood pressure measurements and the need for continuous medication.
Blood Pressure Measurements and VA Ratings
The VA uses systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) readings to determine the rating:
- 10% VA Rating: Diastolic pressure is 100 or more, or systolic pressure is 160 or more, or continuous medication is required to manage hypertension.
- 20% VA Rating: Diastolic pressure is 110 or more, or systolic pressure is 200 or more.
- 40% VA Rating: Diastolic pressure is 120 or more.
- 60% VA Rating: Diastolic pressure is 130 or more.
How to Service Connect Hypertension
To qualify for a VA disability rating for hypertension, veterans must prove a service connection. This means showing that the condition began or was aggravated during military service.
Steps to Service Connect Hypertension
- Document Diagnosis:
- Provide evidence of a hypertension diagnosis during or after service. This could be that you were diagnosed in service and you saw a doctor for this. Ideally you would have the doctor notes but the VA can get the notes if needed.
- Show In-Service Occurrence or Aggravation:
- Use service medical records to show high blood pressure readings or related symptoms.
- Establish a Nexus:
- A medical opinion linking the veteran’s hypertension to their service is required if you do not have records indicating you were seen for high blood pressure. See PACT act below.
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VA Rating for Hypertension on Medication
Veterans taking medication for hypertension can qualify for a 10% VA disability rating, even if their blood pressure readings do not meet the thresholds for a higher rating. The VA acknowledges that continuous medication is necessary to control the condition, and this factor is considered when determining eligibility.
PACT Act and Hypertension Claims
The PACT Act expanded the list of presumptive conditions for veterans exposed to toxins, such as burn pits and Agent Orange. Hypertension is now included as a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, simplifying the claims process.
VA Hypertension PACT Act Highlights
- Veterans who served in locations where Agent Orange exposure occurred may qualify for presumptive service connection.
- This eliminates the need to establish a direct nexus between hypertension and service.
Common Questions About VA Disability for Hypertension
Is It Hard to Get VA Disability for Hypertension?
While obtaining a VA rating for hypertension requires medical evidence and documentation, the process can be straightforward if the condition is well-documented and service-connected.
What Is the Average VA Rating for Hypertension?
The average VA rating for hypertension is 10%, as most veterans manage the condition with medication.
Can the VA Deny a Presumptive Disability for Hypertension?
The VA can deny a presumptive disability if evidence does not support the veteran’s exposure to the presumptive condition’s qualifying factors. Proper documentation is critical.
Veterans Having High Blood Pressure and Related Conditions
Hypertension can lead to other serious health conditions, which may also be eligible for VA disability compensation. These include:
- Heart Disease: High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular conditions.
- Kidney Disease: Hypertension is a leading cause of kidney damage.
- Stroke: Chronic high blood pressure can result in strokes and related disabilities.
Veterans with these secondary conditions may file claims for additional compensation.
Filing a VA Claim for Hypertension
To file a successful VA claim for hypertension, follow these steps:
- Gather Medical Evidence:
- Include blood pressure readings, treatment records, and medication history.
- Submit Service Records:
- Provide documentation showing high blood pressure or related symptoms during service.
- Complete a Nexus Letter:
- Obtain a medical opinion linking hypertension to service.
- File the Claim:
- Submit the claim through the VA’s website or work with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO).
VA Disability Rates for Hypertension
As of 2024, here are the monthly compensation rates for hypertension based on disability ratings:
- 10% Rating: $165.92
- 20% Rating: $327.99
- 40% Rating: $731.86
- 60% Rating: $1,319.65
These rates apply to veterans without dependents. Veterans with dependents may qualify for higher payments.
VA High Blood Pressure Classes
The VA classifies high blood pressure based on its severity:
- Mild Hypertension: Typically managed with medication and lifestyle changes.
- Moderate Hypertension: May require multiple medications or result in moderate functional impairment.
- Severe Hypertension: High risk of complications like stroke or heart disease.
How the VA Rates Hypertension With Other Conditions
The VA rating for hypertension can be driven by other diseases and also be a secondary condition from a primary disease like diabetes.
Hypertension and PTSD
Hypertension can be aggravated by stress and anxiety disorders, such as PTSD. Veterans may qualify for increased ratings if hypertension is worsened by service-connected mental health conditions.
Hypertension as a Secondary Condition
Veterans with service-connected conditions like diabetes or kidney disease can file claims for hypertension as a secondary condition. A secondary condition is something that is caused by the primary condition, so that if you have diabetes or kidney disease for example, and you have hypertension that would likely be caused by those. So you could file for hypertension secondary to diabetes for example.
Tips for Filing a Hypertension VA Claim
- Track Blood Pressure Regularly:
- Keep detailed records of blood pressure readings to demonstrate the severity of the condition. Its important that you have at least 6 months if not much longer showing your blood pressure trends.
- Be followed by a doctor and have copies of his/her notes about your blood pressure.
- Highlight Medication Use:
- Emphasize the need for continuous medication in your claim. This would likely be in the doctors notes.
- Work With a VSO:
- Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) can help ensure your claim is complete and accurate. They are trained in helping veterans with the disability claim process and can answer many questions for you.
VA Hypertension Ratings and the Future
The VA rating for hypertension may change as new medical research and legislation emerge. Veterans should stay informed about updates, such as the VA Hypertension PACT Act, which expands benefits for those exposed to toxins.
