How to Determine Your Hypertension VA Rating While On Medication

Veterans who have been diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) may be eligible for VA disability benefits if they meet certain criteria. The VA uses a disability rating system to your hypertension VA rating even if you are prescribed medication.

00:00 Introduction to VA hypertension claims
1:21 20 percent VA rating for hypertension
1:49 What is a secondary claim for hypertension?
3:14 Can I get VA compensation for medications side effects?
4:31 How to win your VA claim for hypertension

When considering a claim for hypertension, the VA requires medical evidence that establishes a clear diagnosis of the condition, as well as evidence that the condition is service-connected, meaning it was caused or worsened by their time in service.

The VA assigns a disability rating based on the severity of the condition and how much it impacts a veteran's daily life. For hypertension, the VA will assign the following VA disability rating if your medication helps your disability.

A 10 percent VA rating for hypertension is assigned to Veterans who have diastolic pressure that is predominantly 100 or more; systolic pressure that is predominantly 160 or more; or a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more and require continuous medication for control.

A 30 percent VA rating for hypertension is assigned to Veterans who have diastolic pressure that is predominantly 110 or more; systolic pressure that is principally 190 or more; or a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more and require continuous medication for control.

A 50 percent VA rating for hypertension is assigned to Veterans who have diastolic pressure that is predominantly 120 or more; systolic pressure that is principally 210 or more; or a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more and require continuous medication for control.

If you are filing a claim for hypertension, make sure that you provide as much evidence as possible to support your case. Documentation such as medical records and proof of service-connectedness can help increase the chances of being awarded the highest rating possible.

🔵 Citation Nr: 1414054

🔶 Helpful resources for disabled veterans
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[CombatCraig]

🔵 It’s Time To Get Serious About Your Veterans Benefits!
❇ SUPERCHARGE your VA CLAIM!

[garyfeltman]

Given 10% for hypertension but no compensation! I take 3 different meds for my hbp to control it!

[RickCurran]

Those BP readings are out of touch if you are taking medication

[danielvelez]

I just got a 0% rating for service connected hypertension. My Diastolic was at 160, and I continuously take meds to control it. According to 38 CFR, I should be rated at 10%. The VA does things that counterdict their own regs.

[vietnamvet]

Yea got my 0 rating for my hypertension been on medication for the last 30.

[wrsmsgt]

Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130/80. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/110 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away. A reading this high is considered “hypertensive crisis.”

[peterarzbsrger]

I went to my C&P exam for hypertension. Non VA doctor threw the VES service. She took three (3) reading they were all 140/101. Spent 10 mins with me also knew I was taking blood pressure. Said my pressure was normal. My rating came back with service connection but a rating of 0 compensation. I made an appt with my VA PCP for a DBQ. My appt was on May 28th-2023 this past Friday. My blood pressure was taken and it was 156/101. He prescribed another blood pressure med to take with my other one. I asked him are you going to fill out the DBQ which was why the appt was setup for. He said and I quote (No No I don't do that you have to go threw another Department for that). So I said that's what the appt was for and now your telling me you can't do it? after you take my blood pressure and give me another different blood pressure med to take with the other one? I was under the impression that if I request a DBQ from my VA PCP you are required to do it. Now your telling me No you can't do it. My question to you is why are VA PCP's refusing to do DBQ's when under the VA statues they have to do it.

[matthewjacobs]

My Hypertension was just approved at ZERO compensation + my secondary Kidney Disease stage 3 was DENIED

[ccloud]

I know if I don’t take my meds, i’ll be 165 over 90 at the exam. If I take losartin, I’ll be 135ish over 85ish.

Should I stop taking my meds before exam?

[twyndad]

Hypertensive heart disease, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation are just a few heart diseases that can result from complications of hypertension. That is the big reason that you should pursue a rating for hypertension. That way you can claim those on a secondary basis if they develop down the line. Hypertension is also presumptive to agent orange exposure so it doesn't matter if you were diagnosed in service or after. File the claim!

[edwinmendija]

I feel like a broken person and struggling everyday life.

[biggdawg]

That's the exact writing on my award for the rating of hypertension word for word right off the paperwork you just showed

[paul]

How about when you go to your va dr and they take your bp and it’s about 170something and they make you sit there until they get a good reading. Shouldn’t they be taking the original bp when you went in

[MP-sops]

Due to radiation exposure, If Highblood Pressure cause 3 stents + heart aicd later : What percentage would be at ???

[kermin]

Blood pressure was hard for me. You almost have to be in the stroke zone to get it somewhat. Great video. Got my CFile and noticed I did have high blood pressure while in service and it was not notated. Everything that’s not Notated in your records when you are in after you get out can be hard to prove later on. Learned that in Combat Craig’s bootcamp!

[AM-ydxe]

Thank you for making this video. It is very relative to my current claim.

[wilmervalles]

Yeah but every time I mention something like this to the VSO he says where I'm getting my information from because everything has to be Service Connected in order to get a rating. Am I being lied to and can I file a claim for this condition cause obviously I was diagnosed with Hypertension Level 3, where I was prescribed medications to keep this condition under control. I need help with this. Anybody?

[myreelvice]

If death certificate shows cause of death as Hypertension for Vietnam vet that served in a qualifying location that died in 2014, what more needs to be proven for his surviving spouse to receive benefits? Does this cause of death automatically receive 100% rating? VA said provide medical records... very vague n general...how do you locate records that far back, especially when his PCP is also deceased now? He was diagnosed originally by his PCP who put him on meds...he had multiple hospitalizations afterwards BUT the medical records show his BP while on meds...they also show his diagnosis of Hypertension.

I think the VA/federal government should be ashamed of themselves for giving our Veterans all this hope with this PACT Act and then putting them through hell when they attempt to get what they are clearly owed and deserve! It's like dangling the meat in front of the lion and then yanking the rug out from under them yet AGAIN! Re-victimization! They already fought one war...some, more than one... when is enough enough?!! SMH

[gilbertdayanan]

Combat Craig. First off, A big Mahalo"s for what you do! You did a video regarding Hypertension secondary to Sleep Apnea. Couldn't find the citation letter to reference in BVA. Could you repost it. Mahalo's. Your helping other veterans receive the ratings they deserve and I for one share your channel with other vets @ Pacific VA Hawaii

[edwinmendija]

All that is needed is a recorded blood pressure confirming I've had very high blood pressure readings? I need help.