United States · VA disability · 38 CFR 4.104
VA diagnostic code 7101: hypertension.
Rating criteria for diagnostic code 7101, quoted from the regulation.
DC 7101 (hypertensive vascular disease, which covers hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension) has four rating levels in 38 CFR 4.104: 10, 20, 40 and 60 percent, set by how high the diastolic or systolic pressure is predominantly.
The short version
DC 7101 (hypertensive vascular disease, which covers hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension) has four rating levels in 38 CFR 4.104: 10, 20, 40 and 60 percent, set by how high the diastolic or systolic pressure is predominantly. The levels in the code are 10, 20, 40 and 60 percent.
DC 7101 rating criteria
DC 7101 reads "Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension)" in the section on diseases of the arteries and veins in 38 CFR 4.104. The levels are not 0 to 100 percent; the highest is 60 percent.
DC 7101 rating levels
| Criteria (quoted from the regulation) | Rating |
|---|---|
| Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more | 60% |
| Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more | 40% |
| Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or; systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more | 20% |
| 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 | 10% |
Notes in the regulation
- Note (1): Hypertension or isolated systolic hypertension must be confirmed by readings taken two or more times on at least three different days. For purposes of this section, the term hypertension means that the diastolic blood pressure is predominantly 90mm. or greater, and isolated systolic hypertension means that the systolic blood pressure is predominantly 160mm. or greater with a diastolic blood pressure of less than 90mm.
- Note (2): Evaluate hypertension due to aortic insufficiency or hyperthyroidism, which is usually the isolated systolic type, as part of the condition causing it rather than by a separate evaluation.
- Note (3): Evaluate hypertension separately from hypertensive heart disease and other types of heart disease.
How to read DC 7101
Each level is written as a diastolic measure, and for the 20 and 10 percent levels also as a systolic measure joined by "or". The word "predominantly" is in the regulation; this page does not define how VA counts readings beyond what Note (1) says about confirmation.
The 10 percent level has a second route: a minimum evaluation for a person with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control.
Notes (2) and (3) decide what is rated separately. Hypertension caused by aortic insufficiency or hyperthyroidism is evaluated as part of the causing condition, and hypertension is evaluated separately from hypertensive heart disease and other heart disease.
What this page does not do
It does not diagnose, pick a diagnostic code, estimate your rating or advise on a claim. Every rating decision depends on the medical evidence and on VA’s application of the full schedule, including provisions this page does not reproduce.
Frequently asked questions
What is DC 7101?
Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension) in the arteries and veins section of 38 CFR 4.104.
What ratings are available?
10, 20, 40 and 60 percent. There is no 0 or 100 percent level in the code.
What does the 10 percent level cover?
Diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or a minimum evaluation for someone with a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control.
How must hypertension be confirmed?
Note (1): by readings taken two or more times on at least three different days.
How is isolated systolic hypertension defined?
Note (1): systolic blood pressure predominantly 160mm. or greater with a diastolic blood pressure of less than 90mm.
Does this page say what rating I should get?
No. It reproduces the published criteria. VA decides the diagnosis and the rating, and this page is not medical or claim advice.
Sources
Read directly from the primary sources below on November 2, 2026 (eCFR text current through October 29, 2026). Quotations are the regulation text; anything labelled as a reading is TNAADO's. The schedule is amended from time to time, so check the linked section for the latest text.
Reference, not a VA determination, medical advice or claim advice
Rating criteria summarized from 38 CFR 4.104 as of October 29, 2026 (eCFR). This page reproduces published criteria so you can read them; it does not tell you whether you qualify, what your rating should be, or how to file. VA decides the diagnosis, the code and the rating. It is not legal, financial or medical advice; an accredited representative (VSO, attorney or claims agent) can review your case.