Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension)

Diagnostic code 7101

This formula governs the cardiovascular system criteria published in 38 CFR §4.104. The criteria below are quoted from the regulation and are current as of 2026-07-07.

This explains the published rating criteria. It is not a prediction about any veteran’s claim, and only VA decides a rating.

38 CFR §4.104Regulation text current as of 2026-07-07

Published criteria

7101 Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension):

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

Notes printed with this ladder 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.

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