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High Blood Pressure Veteran Disability Claims
In VA disability claims, high blood pressure is often related to in-service toxic exposure or it can be secondary to conditions like anxiety.
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Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a serious health condition that affects a significant number of veterans. This condition can lead to severe complications if left unmanaged. Therefore, it is crucial for veterans to understand their rights and benefits when filing VA disability claims.
At Bartlett Legal Group, our team of VA-accredited veteran disability claims lawyers is dedicated to assisting vets with their appeals. We are committed to ensuring that our nation’s heroes receive the support and compensation they deserve for their service-related health issues. Call us at (850) 332-6434 or submit this contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding High Blood Pressure
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs research reports that hypertension is a prevalent chronic condition among veterans. If not properly managed, it can lead to serious health issues such as heart attacks or strokes. Therefore, it is crucial not to overlook this condition. If hypertension is related to your military service, you may qualify for disability benefits.
Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension symptoms present in several ways, including but not limited to:
Vision disturbances
Persistent fatigue
Mental confusion
Chest discomfort or breathing difficulties
Headaches
Irregular heart rhythms
Blood in the urine
Although hypertension is a chronic condition in most people, veterans can often manage their symptoms with the help of a provider
Eligibility for VA Disability for High Blood Pressure
Veterans suffering from high blood pressure may qualify for VA disability benefits, which can provide both medical assistance and financial support. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility requirements:
Service Connection
To secure VA disability benefits for hypertension, you need to establish that your condition is linked to your military service. This involves demonstrating that hypertension developed during or after your time in service.
Medical Records Showing Hypertension
Comprehensive medical documentation is crucial for a successful hypertension disability claim. Ensure that your records clearly show a high blood pressure diagnosis. Submitting thorough medical records to your Compensation and Pension examination can significantly bolster your claim.
Blood Pressure Readings
A robust diagnosis requires blood pressure readings taken over at least three days, with measurements taken twice daily. It’s also beneficial to provide the VA with long-term data showing how your blood pressure has changed over time. This helps establish that your hypertension either manifested or worsened during or shortly after your military service.
Worsening of High Blood Pressure Post-Service
You must demonstrate that your condition appeared or worsened either during service or within a year of discharge. Even minor changes in blood pressure readings can be significant if documented consistently. The more compelling the evidence of post-service worsening, the stronger your claim will be.
It’s also important for veterans to recognize that other service-connected conditions, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may contribute to high blood pressure. Additionally, medical evidence suggests that exposure to Agent Orange during service in Vietnam can cause hypertension.
Presumptive Service Connection for High Blood Pressure
A presumptive service connection allows veterans to link certain medical conditions to their military service, as the condition is presumed to be caused by service. If eligible, the VA will accept that the condition was service-related.
High blood pressure is one such condition that can be presumptively connected to military service due to exposure to Agent Orange, an herbicide used extensively during the Vietnam War. This substance has been linked to several serious health conditions, including hypertension.
Recent legislation, the Honoring Our PACT Act, has extended presumptive service connection to veterans who developed high blood pressure due to Agent Orange exposure. To qualify for this presumption, you must have served in specific locations and timeframes:
The Republic of Vietnam from January 9, 1962, to May 7, 1975
Laos from December 1, 1965, to September 30, 1969
Any U.S. or Thai base in Thailand from January 9, 1962, to June 30, 1976
Cambodia, specifically at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province, from April 1969 to April 30, 1969
Johnston Atoll or aboard a ship near Johnston Atoll from January 1, 1972, to September 30, 1977
Guam or American Samoa, including their territorial waters, from January 9, 1962, to July 30, 1980
Veterans diagnosed with high blood pressure who served in these locations and periods are eligible for a presumptive service connection.
How Does the VA Determine Disability Ratings for High Blood Pressure?
The amount of monthly compensation you get for high blood pressure is determined by your disability rating, which the VA assigns based on the severity of your condition.
If your condition is service-connected, you will receive a rating between 0 and 100 percent in 10-percent increments. To qualify for monthly compensation, your hypertension must be rated at 10 percent or higher, although a 0 percent rating still entitles you to health care and other benefits.
Your rating is based on your blood pressure readings, as outlined in § 4.104-10 Diagnostic Code 7101:
60 percent disability rating: Diastolic pressure (bottom number) of 130 or higher
40 percent rating: Diastolic pressure between 120 and 129
20 percent rating: Diastolic pressure between 110 and 119, or systolic pressure (top number) of 200 or higher
10 percent rating: Diastolic pressure between 100 and 109, or systolic pressure between 160 and 199
For a high blood pressure diagnosis, evidence must show that two or more blood pressure readings were taken on three separate days to ensure the condition isn’t based on anomalous readings.
If multiple sets of readings occur within the same month, the VA will give veterans the “benefit of the doubt” and assign the highest rating based on those results. If there are significant gaps between readings while the claim is pending, then the VA will issue a rating based on the first set of readings. In cases where subsequent readings indicate higher blood pressure levels, the VA will assign a staged rating from the date of the second set of tests.
How to Increase Your VA Hypertension Disability Rating
To enhance your VA disability rating for hypertension, consider the following steps:
Get a Medical Re-Evaluation: Seek updated medical assessments that accurately represent the current state of your hypertension.
Monitor Worsening Symptoms: Maintain a log of your blood pressure readings, document new symptoms, and note any progression in your condition.
Submit a Claim for an Increased Rating: File a claim with the VA, including new medical evidence and documentation showing the worsening of your condition.
Monthly VA Compensation for High Blood Pressure
Veterans diagnosed with hypertension may receive various disability ratings, ranging from 0 to 60 percent. As of December 1st, 2021, the monthly VA disability compensation amounts are:
$0.00 per month for 0 percent disability rating
$165.92 per month for 10 percent disability rating
$327.99 per month for 20 percent disability rating
$1,319.65 per month for 60 percent disability rating
If the VA rates your hypertension at 30 percent or higher, you might qualify for additional monthly benefits for your dependents. This typically includes children, a spouse, or parents who reside with you and rely on you financially. In addition to disability benefits, vets with service-related high blood pressure may qualify for other types of VA compensation.
TDIU Benefits for Hypertension
If high blood pressure significantly affects your work capabilities, then you may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU). To be eligible;
Your hypertension alone should be rated at 60%, or
You should have another condition rated at 40%, and when combined with hypertension and any other service-connected conditions, reach a 70% rating.
If these conditions hinder you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you could qualify for TDIU. TDIU offers benefits at the 100% disability rate, even if your combined rating is less than 100%.
How to Appeal a VA Decision for a Veteran High Blood Pressure Disability Claim
Navigating the VA appeals process for a high blood pressure claim can be a complex and overwhelming task. Bartlett Legal Group’s VA-accredited lawyers have guided many veterans through this challenging process. Our experienced team understands the intricacies of VA disability law and we can also provide the necessary support to strengthen your appeal.
First, our VA disability appeals lawyers will review your initial claim and the VA’s decision in detail. This comprehensive analysis helps identify any errors or missing information that could have led to the denial or low rating of your claim. We then gather additional evidence, such as expert opinions, updated medical records, and lay statements to substantiate the severity of your condition and its service connection.
Bartlett Legal Group also prepares and submits all necessary legal documents prior to critical deadlines. Additionally, we strive to present a thorough and accurate appeal. Our lawyers are adept at representing veterans in hearings before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, advocating for your rights, and aiming for the best possible outcome.
By choosing Bartlett Legal Group, you benefit from our dedicated, knowledgeable legal team who are committed to securing the benefits you deserve. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your health and well-being.
Let Bartlett Legal Group Lend Our Expertise to Your VA Disability High Blood Pressure Claim
Bartlett Legal Group is a dedicated team of VA-accredited lawyers committed to assisting veterans and their families with disability claims appeals. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of the VA system and are here to guide you through every step, ensuring your claim is successful.
Don’t navigate this challenging process alone. Take the first step towards securing the benefits you deserve by calling us today at (850) 332-6434 or submitting this contact form to schedule your free appointment. Let Bartlett Legal Group fight for your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
