Did you know that hypertension (or high blood pressure) is the most common chronic condition among veterans? If you suffer from this condition, you are not alone. You may be wondering if you may qualify for VA disability benefits due to your high blood pressure. The answer is yes, but only if your condition is service connected, meaning it started during or after military service. In addition, your monthly compensation amount depends on your hypertension VA rating.
Getting veteran’s disability benefits for hypertension is easier with professional help. An attorney can also potentially help you file a supplemental claim and get a higher VA disability rating for hypertension. Learn how to file a VA claim, rating criteria, establishing a service connection, and more info below.
Hypertension VA Rating: Key Takeaways
- Combat exposure during military service may cause long-term harmful effects on physical health, especially your heart.
- High blood pressure is the most common chronic health condition among veterans.
- You can receive a VA disability rating for hypertension ranging from 10% to 60%, depending on your blood pressure readings.
- Your monthly pay amount depends on your VA rating for hypertension and whether you have any secondary conditions.
- You need a discharge status other than dishonorable to file a hypertension claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
What is Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)?
According to the World Health Organization, hypertension is when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). While it is common, untreated hypertension can be very serious. Eventually, it can lead to serious or even life-threatening complications, including:
- Heart attacks
- Severe headaches
- Ischemic heart disease
- Strokes
- Kidney disease
- Vision loss
- Dementia
Lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure, but many people take medicine daily to address the issue.
It is possible to have high blood pressure and not feel any symptoms. In fact, less than half of adults (42%) with hypertension receive a medical diagnosis and treatment. The best way to know if you have hypertension is to check your blood pressure regularly.
- Normal blood pressure level is systolic pressure reading of no more than 120 and a diastolic pressure reading of 80 or less. This reads as 120/80 mmHg.
- Pre-hypertension is a systolic pressure reading of 120-139, diastolic pressure reading of 80-89 mmHg.
- For a hypertension diagnosis, you must show blood pressure at readings greater than 140/90 mmHg.
Common Causes of Hypertension in the Military
Risk factors for this condition include aging, your genetics, and being overweight. You are also at greater risk for having this condition if you:
- Are not physically active
- Consume a a lot of salt
- Smoke
- Drink too much alcohol
- Have sleep apnea
Stress is one of the biggest risk factors.
IMPORTANT: Combat stress is also linked to hypertension. According to the Journal of the American Heart Association, “combat exposure may exert long-term adverse effects on cardiovascular health.”
Is Hypertension Eligible for VA Disability Benefits?
Yes. But it matters when it started, and your discharge status from military service.
If you have long-lasting health conditions that started within one year after your discharge from active duty, you may qualify for VA disability compensation. Eligible service-connected disability conditions include high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
Who’s Eligible to File a VA Disability Claim?
All veterans may be eligible for disability compensation if they have an illness or condition that’s at least 10% disabling that appears within one year after discharge. The illness or condition must also appear in Title 38, Code of Federal Regulation, 3.309(a). Finally, the veteran must have a discharge status other than dishonorable to file a VA claim.
IMPORTANT: If you get a disability rating, you may also be eligible for VA health care and other benefits.
What is the VA Rating for Hypertension?
A VA disability rating is how the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs assigns a number to the effects of your disability. To do so, it looks at the ways your disability impacts your daily life and then assigns an impairment percentage. This rating affects the amount of compensation you may receive as well as eligibility for other benefits.
In 2025, monthly compensation rates range from $175.51 for 10% to $3,831.30 for a 100% VA disability rating.
How Blood Pressure Readings Affect Your VA Disability Rating for Hypertension
When reading your blood pressure measurements, keep in mind that the top number is your systolic pressure. The bottom number is your diastolic blood pressure. The VA rates hypertension based on regular high blood pressure readings listed in your medical records. The higher your blood pressure readings, the higher your assigned VA rating and monthly pay amount:
- 10%: Diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or higher, systolic pressure is 160 or higher, or a history of diastolic pressure above 100 that requires continuous medication to control it
- 20%: Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or higher, or systolic pressure is 200 or higher
- 40%: Diastolic pressure readings usually at 120 or higher
- 60%: Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or higher
How Much VA Disability Compensation Can You Get for Hypertension?
Most VA disability ratings for hypertension range from 10% to 60%. The rating is based on diastolic and systolic blood pressure levels. This means your monthly payment can range from $175.51 to $3,831.30, with $62 extra per month per dependent child.
VA Disability Rating Payments Vary by Severity
The VA bases your rating on your individual medical diagnosis and other factors, including:
- Any medical evidence you provide, such as a doctor’s report or lab test results.
- The results of your VA claim exam if it determines you require one for evidentiary purposes.
Your payments increase based on the severity of your condition and the number of dependents you have. Below are the current VA benefits pay rates based on disability ratings for each service-connected condition:
- 0% disability rating: $0.00 per month
- 10% disability rating: $175.51 per month
- 20% disability rating: $346.95 per month
- 30% disability rating: $537.42 per month
- 40% disability rating: $774.16 per month
- 50% disability rating: $1,102.04 per month
- 60% disability rating: $1,395.93 per month
- 70% disability rating: $1,759.19 per month
- 80% disability rating: $2,044.89 per month
- 90% disability rating: $2,297.96 per month
- 100% disability rating: $3,831.30 per month
Establishing a Presumptive Service Connection for Hypertension
You may qualify for VA presumptive disability benefits for hypertension if:
- Your high blood pressure started during active duty or within one year of discharge from military service.
- You were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.
What’s a Secondary Service Connection?
If your medical records list certain related conditions, it can help you establish a secondary service connection for hypertension. Primary service connected disabilities linked to hypertension as a secondary condition include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
Get a VA-Accredited Lawyer to Help You Through the VA Claims Process
Since it currently takes about 147 days for the VA to make a decision about your claim, don’t wait to ask for help. Engaging a VA-accredited attorney can help you get the maximum amount you’re owed in VA benefits approved faster.
If your hypertension claim is denied, an attorney can help you appeal and gather new medical evidence supporting your case. Think you’re owed additional compensation from the VA for your current health issues? Talk to an attorney about other hypertension-related compensation benefits you may also qualify for each month.
Reach out to our network today for a free consultation with a qualified advocate in your area: