Hypertension

Hypertension refers to both the diastolic and systolic pressure and systolic hypertension refers to only the systolic pressure. When looking at a blood pressure reading, the systolic hypertension is the number on top, and the diastolic is the number on bottom.
60% If the average diastolic pressure is 130 or more40% If the average diastolic pressure is 120 to 12920% If the average diastolic pressure is 110 to 119, or the average systolic pressure is 200 or more10% • If the average diastolic pressure is 100 to 109, or the average systolic pressure is 160 to 199 -OR• the average diastolic pressure was 100 –OR• with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication required to keep the blood pressure under control.0% The competent evidence shows a diagnosis of hypertension or isolated systolic hypertension, currently controlled by or asymptomatic with medication, and a past competent diagnosis was made; • in service -OR• based on manifestation of blood pressure readings to a compensable degree within one year after discharge, -OR• secondary to a service connected disability. 

• Readings are with blood pressure medications.

• To qualify for a high blood pressure rating, the condition must be clearly documented by the physician. For an initial rating blood pressure readings must be taken two or more times a day on at least three different days in order for the condition to be officially diagnosed. A blood pressure log of 2 or more readings over 3 or more days may qualify as lay evidence even if not done by a physician but not for a diagnosis.

• Your Primary Care Physician can give you a home blood pressure machine if requested.

• A rating for high blood pressure can be used in addition to ratings for hypertensive heart disease and other heart diseases.

• Even a 0%, service connected non-compensable rating is important if the Veteran were to pass away from a heart condition for survivor benefits (Dependent Indemnity Compensation) if the cause of death listed on the death certificate indicates or in a doctor’s letter that service connected hypertension is at least as likely as not (50% chance or greater) a contributing factor in the death.

• Pre-hypertension is generally defined as systolic pressure between 120mm and 139mm and diastolic pressure from 80mm to 89mm. Pre-hypertension is not a disability for VA purposes.