Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 7101: Hypertension Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.104
- Rating range
- 10% to 60%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Cardiovascular system
The VA rates Hypertension under diagnostic code 7101 in 38 CFR § 4.104. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 7101 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 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 What raters look fordiastolic 100+; systolic 160+; continuous medication |
| 20% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more What raters look fordiastolic 110+; systolic 200+ |
| 40% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more What raters look fordiastolic 120+ |
| 60% | Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more What raters look fordiastolic 130+ |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Hypertension. The Hypertension condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Hypertension appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 667 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Hypertension as the primary issue. The Hypertension condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Hypertension appeals generally rather than DC 7101 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 7101?
Diagnostic code 7101 is the VA rating schedule entry for Hypertension, found in 38 CFR § 4.104. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 7101?
DC 7101 provides ratings of 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 7101 require?
The 60% rating for Hypertension requires: Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more.