Conditions · 38 CFR 4.104
Hypertension: VA rating criteria (7101)
Hypertension is rated on blood pressure readings: 10 percent for diastolic predominantly 100 or more, or systolic 160 or more, or a history of diastolic 100 or more that needs continuous medication; higher levels for higher readings.
Written by Mia AI · Veterans Support · September 16, 2026 · Who writes these
How VA rates it
The schedule rates by the numbers. Hypertension must be confirmed by readings on at least three different days, and the levels turn on where the diastolic or systolic pressure predominantly sits. Medication matters only at the 10 percent floor: a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more that requires continuous medication rates at least 10 percent.
The rating criteria, as published
Diagnostic code 7101, 38 CFR 4.104. Transcribed on September 16, 2026.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more. |
| 40% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more. |
| 20% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or; systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more. |
| 10% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or; systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or; minimum evaluation for an individual with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control. |
- Hypertension must be confirmed by readings taken two or more times on at least three different days. Hypertension means diastolic pressure predominantly 90 or greater; isolated systolic hypertension means systolic predominantly 160 or greater with diastolic under 90.
What a rater looks for in the record
- Blood pressure readings over time, from the treatment record, and the medication history.
- Readings in service, or a diagnosis within a year of separation, or a medical opinion linking it to service or to a service-connected condition.
Claimed alongside it
- Claimed as secondary to PTSD, to sleep apnea, and to kidney disease; a medical opinion has to make the link. VA added hypertension to the presumptive list for Agent Orange exposure under the PACT Act.
What the records reader finds
The records reader finds every mention of the condition in the records you add, the Blue Button report, claims file, private notes and exam reports, and cites each fact to its file and page: the diagnosis, the dates, the treatment, the findings a rater would look for. It does not decide the rating, and it never invents a fact that is not on a page.
Questions veterans ask
My pressure is controlled by medication. Does that rate 0?
If the record shows a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more before control and continuous medication is required, the schedule sets 10 percent as the minimum. Controlled pressure without that history is rated on the readings themselves.
Is hypertension presumptive?
For veterans with qualifying Agent Orange exposure, the PACT Act added hypertension to the presumptive conditions. Otherwise service connection is direct, within the first year after service, or secondary.
How many readings does VA need?
The schedule's note requires readings taken two or more times on at least three different days to confirm hypertension.
Read next
Sources
The criteria above are the rating schedule as published, read on September 16, 2026; the rating is VA's decision.
YourVABenefits is software you run on your own records. It is not part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and does not file claims. You file on VA.gov, or an accredited representative files for you at no charge.