Hypertension (Agent Orange — Blue Water/Brown Water Navy): VA Presumptive Condition (Agent Orange)
VeteranHQ lists Hypertension (Agent Orange — Blue Water/Brown Water Navy) as a presumptive condition in the Agent Orange and Other Herbicides group. The exposure it is tied to is: Herbicide Agent (Agent Orange/TCDD). The presumption is effective January 19, 2021. It is governed by 38 CFR § 3.309(e); 86 FR 4996 (January 19, 2021); Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 (Public Law 116-23).
A presumption removes one requirement and one only: the veteran does not have to prove a medical link between the condition and service. Everything else still applies. There must be a current diagnosis, the service has to meet the requirements below, and VA decides the claim on the evidence in the record.
What qualifies: Hypertension (Agent Orange — Blue Water/Brown Water Navy)
- Service era
- Vietnam Era (August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975)
- Service location
- Republic of Vietnam (inland waterways) and offshore waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast of Vietnam (Blue Water Navy)
- Exposure
- Herbicide Agent (Agent Orange/TCDD)
- Effective date
- January 19, 2021
- Filing deadline
- No statutory deadline; veterans with prior denials should file supplemental claims
- Diagnostic code
- 7101
Service required for this presumption
Service in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 extended coverage to veterans who served on vessels operating in the offshore waters within 12 nautical miles of the Republic of Vietnam. Hypertension was added as a presumptive condition under the Agent Orange framework in 2021.
About this presumption
Hypertension was added to the Agent Orange presumptive list effective January 19, 2021, based on National Academy of Medicine review finding sufficient evidence of association with TCDD exposure. TCDD promotes hypertension through multiple mechanisms: increased angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and disruption of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Veterans who were previously denied or who never filed for hypertension should file supplemental claims citing this new presumptive. Hypertension is one of the most common service-connected conditions and also serves as a primary condition for secondary cardiovascular and renal disease claims.
Evidence still needed
A presumption does not remove the evidence requirement. VA still needs a current diagnosis from a medical provider and service records that show the qualifying service above. What it removes is the medical opinion connecting the two.
Service records confirming Vietnam service; multiple blood pressure readings ≥130/80 mmHg (Stage 1) or ≥140/90 mmHg (Stage 2); cardiology or primary care records documenting diagnosis and treatment; medication records (antihypertensives).
Controlling legal authority
38 CFR § 3.309(e); 86 FR 4996 (January 19, 2021); Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 (Public Law 116-23)
Related on VeteranHQ
- Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension): 38 CFR Part 4 rating criteriaThe percentage tiers VA applies once service connection is established, under DC 7101.
- VA presumptive conditions, explainedHow presumptive service connection works, and what it does not cover.
- All presumptive conditions by exposureAgent Orange, PACT Act, Camp Lejeune, Gulf War, and ionizing radiation.
Questions About Hypertension (Agent Orange — Blue Water/Brown Water Navy) and Presumptive Service Connection
Is Hypertension (Agent Orange — Blue Water/Brown Water Navy) a VA presumptive condition?
Yes. VeteranHQ lists Hypertension (Agent Orange — Blue Water/Brown Water Navy) as presumptive in the Agent Orange and Other Herbicides group, effective January 19, 2021, under 38 CFR § 3.309(e); 86 FR 4996 (January 19, 2021); Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 (Public Law 116-23). A presumption removes the requirement to prove a medical link to service. A current diagnosis and qualifying service are still required, and VA decides the claim.
What service qualifies for the Hypertension (Agent Orange — Blue Water/Brown Water Navy) presumption?
Service in the Republic of Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 extended coverage to veterans who served on vessels operating in the offshore waters within 12 nautical miles of the Republic of Vietnam. Hypertension was added as a presumptive condition under the Agent Orange framework in 2021. Service era: Vietnam Era (August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975). Service location: Republic of Vietnam (inland waterways) and offshore waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast of Vietnam (Blue Water Navy).
What evidence is still needed for a Hypertension (Agent Orange — Blue Water/Brown Water Navy) claim?
Service records confirming Vietnam service; multiple blood pressure readings ≥130/80 mmHg (Stage 1) or ≥140/90 mmHg (Stage 2); cardiology or primary care records documenting diagnosis and treatment; medication records (antihypertensives). A presumption removes the requirement to prove a medical link to service. A current diagnosis and qualifying service are still required, and VA decides the claim.
Is there a filing deadline for Hypertension (Agent Orange — Blue Water/Brown Water Navy)?
No statutory deadline; veterans with prior denials should file supplemental claims
VeteranHQ publishes VA rules and the citations behind them. It does not prepare, file, or represent claims, and nothing here is legal advice or a prediction of what VA will decide.