The exam form
The examiner fills out VA's "Hypertension" form (a Disability Benefits Questionnaire, or DBQ). See the form on VA.gov
Form version checked: Updated on 2024-07-11 (v24_1).
What the exam is for
The exam records your high blood pressure diagnosis, your readings now and in the past, and the medicine you take for it. High blood pressure has been on VA's Agent Orange presumptive list (conditions VA presumes are linked to exposure) since the PACT Act.
What the examiner will ask and measure
- Your diagnosis, using VA's terms. High blood pressure (hypertension) means your bottom number is mostly 90 or more. A high top number only (isolated systolic hypertension) means your top number is mostly 160 or more, with a bottom number under 90.
- How your high blood pressure started and changed.
- Medicine: whether your treatment includes taking medicine all the time, and which blood pressure medicines you take.
- How you were first diagnosed: whether readings were taken 2 or more times on at least 3 different days, and those readings if known. If not, the examiner takes readings on 3 days, unless you're already being treated for high blood pressure.
- Your history: whether your bottom number has been mostly 100 or more in the past, and how often and how high. This comes from your history and records, not from the day's readings.
- Three readings at the exam. You sit with your back and feet supported. The readings can be taken one right after another. Lying down or standing readings aren't needed. If you already have a diagnosis, these readings are enough.
- Other problems linked to your blood pressure, such as kidney problems, which go on their own forms. Any scars from treatment.
- How your high blood pressure affects your ability to work, with examples.
The form has no blood tests, heart tests or scans.
Be ready to describe
- When you were first told your blood pressure was high, and where: in service, at VA or with a private doctor.
- Where your older readings are, especially any with a bottom number of 100 or more. Dates help.
- Every blood pressure medicine you take, how often you take it, and when you started.
- Any heart, kidney or other problems your doctors have linked to your blood pressure.
- How your blood pressure, or its medicines, affect your work, with examples.
Common mistakes
- Counting on one high reading. VA looks at what most of your readings show over time.
- Not telling VA where your older readings are. The form asks for the readings that confirmed your diagnosis, and for any history of a bottom number at 100 or more.
- Leaving a medicine off your list. VA's rule counts medicine you need all the time to control your blood pressure.
- Not mentioning heart or kidney problems. They're checked on their own forms.
How VA rates it
VA rates high blood pressure on what your readings mostly show (predominantly), not on a single reading. It looks mainly at the bottom number (diastolic). The top number (systolic) counts at the lower levels. If you have a history of a bottom number mostly at 100 or more, needing medicine all the time to control it also counts.
In plain English
- 10%: Your bottom number (diastolic) is mostly (predominantly) 100 or more, or your top number (systolic) is mostly 160 or more. 10% is also the minimum if you have a history of a bottom number mostly at 100 or more and you need medicine all the time (continuous medication) to control it.
- 20%: Your bottom number is mostly 110 or more, or your top number is mostly 200 or more.
- 40%: Your bottom number is mostly 120 or more.
- 60%: Your bottom number is mostly 130 or more.
- How readings must be taken: High blood pressure must be confirmed by readings taken two or more times on at least three different days. For VA, high blood pressure (hypertension) means a bottom number mostly 90 or more. A high top number only (isolated systolic hypertension) means a top number mostly 160 or more, with a bottom number under 90.
- High blood pressure caused by a leaking aortic valve (aortic insufficiency) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) is rated as part of that condition, not on its own.
- High blood pressure is rated separately from heart disease, including heart disease caused by high blood pressure (hypertensive heart disease).
The regulation, word for word
Quoted from 38 CFR Part 4 (current as of October 16, 2026). This is what VA applies. The plain-English version above is our summary of it.
38 CFR 4.104, diagnostic code 7101: Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension) Open in the Rating Criteria Lookup
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|
| 7101 Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension): | |
| Diastolic pressure predominantly 130 or more | 60 |
| Diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more | 40 |
| Diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or; systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more | 20 |
| 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 | 10 |
| 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. | |
Related
About every C&P exam
What is it?
After you file a claim, VA may ask you to have a claim exam, also called a compensation and pension (C&P) exam. It helps VA decide whether your condition is connected to your service, and how severe it is. It isn't treatment: the examiner won't treat you, prescribe medicine or refer you to anyone.
Who does it?
A VA provider or a provider from one of VA's exam contractors (Loyal Source, OptumServe, QTC or VES). VA picks; you can't choose. Hearing, mental health, eye and dental exams are done by specialists. For a reproductive, breast, rectal or mental health exam, or a claim related to military sexual trauma, you can ask for a male or female examiner.
How long does it take?
VA says anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more, depending on what you claimed. Some exams are by phone or video. If you claimed more than one condition, VA tries to schedule them on the same day.
Does the examiner decide my claim?
No. The examiner writes a report on a standard form (a Disability Benefits Questionnaire, or DBQ) and sends it to VA. VA decides your claim using all the evidence: the report, your medical and service records, and statements from you and others. The examiner can't tell you the results or answer questions about your claim.
Does everyone get one?
No. If your records already have what VA needs, VA can decide from the records alone (VA calls this Acceptable Clinical Evidence, or ACE).
What if I can't make it?
Call the number on your appointment letter at least 48 hours ahead to reschedule. Missing an exam delays your claim. VA may decide your claim on the evidence it already has, and some claims, such as a claim for an increase, are denied (38 CFR 3.655). If you had a good reason, such as being in the hospital or a death in your family, tell VA and ask for a new exam.
What should I bring?
VA says you don't need to bring anything. Send any new medical records to VA before the exam, because the examiner can't send them in for you. Arrive 15 minutes early and wear clothes you can move in. Many veterans find it helps to bring a short list of their symptoms, medicines and side effects, and key dates, so nothing is forgotten.
Can someone come with me?
You can ask the examiner. They may ask family members or caregivers to wait outside. For a sensitive physical exam, you can ask for a chaperone in the room.
Can I get a copy of the report?
Yes. Ask VA with a Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act request (VA Form 20-10206). VetEZ Claim can help you fill it out and send it.
Can my own doctor fill out the form instead?
For many conditions, yes. VA publishes the exam forms (DBQs) your own doctor can fill out and you can send in. VA doesn't pay for this. A few exam forms are for VA's own examiners.
Checked against VA's forms and rules on October 20, 2026. General information only, not medical or legal advice about your claim. VA decides every claim.
