Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension)
The VA rates Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension) under Diagnostic Code 7101 across 4 severity levels, from 10% to 60%. The 60% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation. There are 3 documented secondary conditions linked to Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension).
Rating schedule — DC 7101 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.104
- Body system
- Cardiovascular System
- Secondary conditions
- 3
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 40%, 60%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 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 Note: Hypertension ratings are based on blood pressure readings taken at multiple times over at least one visit, or a history of readings meeting the criteria. "Predominantly" means a majority (more than half) of the readings taken. |
| 20% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or; systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more |
| 40% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more |
| 60% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more Note: Diastolic pressure of 130+ represents malignant/hypertensive emergency range. This rating is rarely achieved without associated end-organ damage. Veterans with hypertension and secondary heart disease, kidney disease, or stroke may have multiple separate ratings. |
“Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension)?
View 3 secondary conditions linked to Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension)
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
What other cardiovascular conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension) in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 7016Heart valve replacement (prosthesis)Rated up to 100%
- 7017Coronary bypass surgeryRated up to 100%
- 7018Implantable cardiac pacemakersRated up to 100%
- 7019Cardiac transplantationRated up to 100%
- 7020CardiomyopathyRated up to 30%
- 7110Aortic aneurysm: Ascending, thoracic, or abdominalRated up to 100%
- 7111Aneurysm, any large arteryRated up to 100%
- 7112Aneurysm, any small arteryRated up to 0%
- 7113Arteriovenous fistula, traumaticRated up to 100%
- 7114Peripheral arterial diseaseRated up to 100%
Common Questions About Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension)?
The VA rates Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension) under Diagnostic Code 7101 at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%. The minimum 10% rating requires: 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. The maximum 60% rating requires: Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension)?
The VA rates Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7101, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.104. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 60% rating for Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension)?
A 10% rating requires: 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. A 60% rating requires: Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension) qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 60% rating for Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension) alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension)?
The key evidence for Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension) is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension)?
Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension) is associated with 3 documented secondary conditions. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension)?
The C&P examiner uses a Cardiovascular System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7101 rating criteria. Cardiac stress testing or METs estimation drives the rating. If you cannot exercise, the examiner estimates METs from interview. Be specific about what activities cause symptoms — stairs, walking distances, lifting limits.
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