Hypertensive vascular disease (DC 7101) | VA Rating Tool
| Diagnostic Code | 7101 |
|---|---|
| Category | The Cardiovascular System |
| Subcategory | Diseases of the Arteries and Veins |
| Also Known As | Vascular disease, high blood pressure, HBP, hypertension, blood pressure, elevated BP |
| CFR Section | 38 CFR § 4.104 |
📊 What Veterans Actually Get
Hypertension is most commonly rated at 10% (diastolic pressure predominantly 100+, or systolic 160+, or requiring continuous medication). About 60% receive 10%.
Next Steps for This Condition
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more |
| 40% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more |
| 20% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or; systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more |
| 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 |
Conditions Secondary to This
6 linksChronic hypertension is a leading cause of heart disease.
Chronic hypertension damages kidney blood vessels over time, commonly causing chronic kidney disease (hypertensive nephropathy).
Hypertension significantly increases stroke risk.
Chronic hypertension can cause hypertensive retinopathy, leading to visual field loss and vision impairment.
Hypertension damages kidney blood vessels over time.
Hypertension can damage retinal blood vessels, causing hypertensive retinopathy and other vision problems.
This May Be Secondary To
14 linksHeart disease and hypertension commonly co-occur
Portal hypertension from cirrhosis causes systemic blood pressure changes.
Diabetes and hypertension frequently co-occur and worsen each other.
Kidney disease causes and worsens hypertension
Chronic fight-or-flight activation from PTSD elevates blood pressure over time. Multiple studies support this link.
Chronic kidney disease directly causes or worsens hypertension through fluid retention and renin-angiotensin system dysfunction.
Sleep apnea causes repeated oxygen desaturation, directly elevating blood pressure. This is one of the strongest medical links.
Bipolar disorder and its medications are associated with increased risk of hypertension and metabolic syndrome.
Chronic anxiety elevates blood pressure over time
Untreated or poorly controlled hypothyroidism can cause elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular changes.
Depression activates stress hormones that elevate blood pressure
Chronic depression is associated with increased cardiovascular risk including hypertension.
Schizophrenia treatment with antipsychotics increases cardiovascular risk including hypertension.
Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.