Chronic high blood pressure in arteries
Because the rating criteria rest entirely on blood pressure readings, the most important evidence is a record of documented measurements taken on multiple occasions. Medical records showing readings taken two or more times on at least three different days are required to confirm the diagnosis. Records from a primary care provider, cardiology clinic, VA examinations, or hospital visits that consistently show your diastolic or systolic numbers will be central to establishing which rating level applies.
For the 10% level based on continuous medication, records showing a prescription history and treatment notes explaining that medication is required to keep your pressure controlled are helpful, even if your current readings fall below 100 diastolic while on that medication.
For higher rating levels, records showing predominantly elevated readings — particularly diastolic figures at or above 110, 120, or 130 — across multiple visits strengthen a claim at those levels. If in-office readings are limited, home blood pressure logs reviewed and signed off by a treating provider can also document your typical pressure. Statements from you or people who know you describing how uncontrolled pressure, medication side effects, or related symptoms affect your work and daily activities may provide useful context alongside the clinical measurements.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
