According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, hypertension is one of the most common, chronic conditions among Veterans. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to severe consequences such as heart attack or stroke. Due to this reason, it is not a condition that should be ignored and if it is a service-connected physical disability, In this blog, learn how you may be eligible to receive VA disability for Hypertension and gain a concise understanding of the application process and benefits.
8 Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension
Hypertension or high blood pressure has many signs to be aware of. Some of the most common include:
- Problems with vision
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Headaches
- Blood in the urine
VA Rating for Hypertension
The VA rates hypertension based on a percentage ranging from 10% to 60%. This rating is crucial as it determines the level of disability benefits a Veteran may receive. The percentage assigned is directly related to the severity of the hypertension, as indicated by an individual's blood pressure readings. Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers: the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure. Diastolic pressure refers to the bottom number of a blood pressure reading, and systolic pressure is the top number.
Can Hypertension Be a Secondary Condition?
The VA uses the following criteria to rate hypertension:
- 60% rating is given if your diastolic pressure is 130 or higher.
- 40% rating is given if your diastolic pressure measures between 120 and 129.
- 20% rating is given if your diastolic pressure is 110-119, or your systolic pressure is 200 or higher.
- 10% rating is given if your diastolic pressure is 100-109, or your systolic pressure is 160 to 199.
The rating given determines your monthly disability compensation. Your rating must be at least 10% to be eligible for disability payments.
Proving Your Hypertension Is Service-Connected
To qualify for disability for hypertension, you must prove service-connected conditions and that the hypertension occurred during or after your service. To do this, you must show the following:
- Medical records that show a diagnosis of hypertension.
- Blood pressure measurements on three different days show at least two high blood pressure readings per day.
- That your blood pressure has appeared or worsened during or within a year after your military service release.
Can Hypertension Be a Secondary Condition?
There are several service-connected conditions that can cause high blood pressure such as:
- PTSD
- Exposure to Agent Orange
- Side effects of medication
- Illegal drug abuse
- Heart or kidney disease
- Metabolic syndrome
Contact an Experienced VA Benefits Attorney
If you are suffering from a service-connected disability such as hypertension, contact the office of Sean Kendall, Attorney-at-Law for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can help determine if you are eligible for compensation, answer any questions you may have about your disability claim and help get you the full amount of compensation that you deserve. Please fill out the Online Contact form or call us at (877) 629-1712 today to schedule an appointment.
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