Have you been missing out on VA benefits you’ve earned? If you’re an Agent Orange veteran with high blood pressure, you may qualify for VA disability compensation. The VA added hypertension to the PACT Act’s list of presumptive conditions in August 2022, and many veterans are just now learning about this important benefit. This means if you served in Vietnam or other Agent Orange exposure areas and have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you can file a VA hypertension claim without proving your military service caused your condition.
This change affects millions of veterans who have been living with high blood pressure for years, often without knowing they could receive monthly compensation from the VA.
High Blood Pressure Now Covered for Agent Orange Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs added hypertension as a presumptive condition under the PACT Act in August 2022. This means the VA now automatically assumes your hypertension is connected to your military service if you were exposed to Agent Orange.
Before August 2022: Veterans had to prove their high blood pressure was caused by military service—which was nearly impossible.
After August 2022: If you served in qualifying locations and have hypertension, the VA automatically considers it service-connected.
This is huge for veterans because high blood pressure affects about 75% of men over age 65. For Vietnam veterans now in their 70s and 80s, this represents a real opportunity for monthly compensation.
Do You Qualify? Check Your Service Location
To qualify for VA hypertension claims under the PACT Act, you need two things:
- A diagnosis of hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Service in a location where Agent Orange exposure is presumed
Vietnam War Service
You qualify if you served:
- In Vietnam: January 9, 1962 – May 7, 1975
- In Vietnamese waters: On ships during the same period
- At Thai military bases: January 9, 1962 – June 30, 1976
Other Qualifying Locations
The PACT Act also covers service in:
- Korean DMZ: September 1, 1967 – August 31, 1971
- Laos: December 1, 1965 – September 30, 1969
- Cambodia: Specific areas, April 16-30, 1969
- Guam/American Samoa: January 9, 1962 – July 31, 1980
Good news: If you served in any of these places during these times, the VA assumes you were exposed to Agent Orange.
How Much Can You Get? VA Hypertension Claim Compensation
The VA rates hypertension based on your blood pressure readings and how severe your condition is.
Monthly Payment Amounts (2025)
- 10% rating: $171.23 per month (most common)
- 20% rating: $338.49 per month
- 30% rating: $524.31 per month
- 40% rating: $755.28 per month
What Gets You Each Rating Level
10% Rating (Most Common):
- Diastolic blood pressure 100-109 mmHg, OR
- Systolic blood pressure 160-199 mmHg, OR
- History of diastolic pressure 100+ requiring continuous medication
20% Rating:
- Diastolic blood pressure 110-119 mmHg, OR
- Systolic blood pressure 200+ mmHg
40% Rating:
- Diastolic blood pressure 120-129 mmHg
60% Rating:
- Diastolic blood pressure 130+ mmHg
The Real Financial Impact
Let’s look at real numbers:
- 10% rating: $2,055 per year
- 20% rating: $4,062 per year
- Over 10 years at 10%: $20,550
- Over 20 years at 10%: $41,100
Plus, you get free VA healthcare for your blood pressure and related conditions.
How to File Your VA Hypertension Claim
Filing is easier than you might think, especially with the new presumptive status.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
You’ll need:
- DD-214: Proves your military service
- Medical records: Showing your hypertension diagnosis
- Blood pressure readings: From your doctor visits
- Medication list: All blood pressure medications you take
Step 2: Complete VA Forms
- VA Form 21-526EZ: Main disability application
- Mark it as a “PACT Act presumptive condition”
- List your service locations clearly
Step 3: Submit Everything
You can file:
- Online: At VA.gov (fastest)
- By mail: To your regional VA office
- In person: At a VA office or with a veterans service organization
Smart Strategies for Your VA Hypertension Claim
Don’t Just Claim Hypertension—Look for Related Conditions
High blood pressure often causes other problems that can increase your VA rating:
Heart Problems:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Irregular heartbeat
Other Related Conditions:
- Kidney disease
- Sleep apnea
- Erectile dysfunction
- Stroke
Why This Matters: Each condition gets its own rating. A 10% hypertension rating plus a 30% heart disease rating could combine to 40% total—that’s $755 per month instead of $171.
Timing Your VA Hypertension Claim Right
File Now: Don’t wait for your next doctor’s appointment or for more medical records. You can always submit additional evidence later.
Protect Your Start Date: File an “Intent to File” immediately. This locks in your potential start date for benefits while you gather documents.
Think About Secondary Claims: If you develop heart problems or other conditions later, you can file additional claims linking them to your hypertension.
Common Mistakes That Hurt VA Hypertension Claims
Documentation Problems
- Not mentioning PACT Act: Always specify this is a presumptive condition claim
- Vague service locations: Be specific about where you served
- Missing medical records: Include all blood pressure readings, not just recent ones
Filing Errors
- Waiting too long: File as soon as possible to protect your effective date
- Incomplete applications: Missing information delays your claim
- Not claiming related conditions: You might be leaving money on the table
Medical Evidence Issues
- No current diagnosis: You need a doctor’s official diagnosis of hypertension
- Inconsistent treatment: Show you’re actively managing your blood pressure
- Missing medication records: Document all treatments you’ve tried
Why VA Hypertension Claims Still Need Professional Help
You might think, “It’s a presumptive condition—how hard can it be?” Here’s why many veterans still benefit from legal help:
Maximizing Your Rating
- Getting the right percentage: 10% vs 20% is $167 more per month
- Finding secondary conditions: Heart disease, kidney problems, etc.
- Combining conditions properly: Higher combined ratings mean more money
Avoiding Delays and Denials
Even presumptive claims get denied when:
- Service locations aren’t documented properly
- Medical evidence is insufficient
- Applications are filled out incorrectly
Protecting Your Interests
- Effective date protection: Getting the earliest possible start date
- Appeal preparation: If something goes wrong with your claim
- Future planning: Setting up for additional claims down the road
What to Expect: VA Hypertension Claim Timeline
Month 1: Filing and Initial Review
- Submit your application
- VA acknowledges receipt
- Initial review for completeness
Months 2-3: Evidence Gathering
- VA collects your military records
- Medical exam may be scheduled
- Additional evidence requests
Months 3-4: Decision
- VA rates your claim
- Decision letter sent
- Benefits begin (if approved)
Good News: PACT Act claims often process faster than regular claims because the service connection is already established.
Beyond Basic Benefits: What Else You Get
Healthcare Benefits
- Free VA medical care for your hypertension
- Free medications for blood pressure
- Specialist care: Cardiology, nephrology when needed
- Preventive care: Regular monitoring and checkups
Family Benefits
- Additional monthly money if you have a spouse or children
- Survivor benefits for your spouse if something happens to you
- Educational benefits for your dependents in some cases
State Benefits
Many states offer extra benefits for disabled veterans:
- Property tax reductions
- Free vehicle registration
- Hunting and fishing licenses
- State park access
Special Situations for VA Hypertension Claims
If You Were Previously Denied
Good news: Previous denials for hypertension can now be reopened as supplemental claims under the new PACT Act rules. The VA will review your old claim with the new presumptive status.
If You’re Already Receiving VA Benefits
You can add hypertension to your existing conditions. It might increase your overall combined rating and monthly compensation.
If you served on ships in Vietnamese waters, you’re covered under the Agent Orange presumption. Make sure to document your ship’s service in Vietnamese territorial waters.
The Tucker Disability Law Advantage for VA Hypertension Claims
While hypertension is now a presumptive condition, getting the maximum benefits still requires strategy and expertise.
What We Do Differently
- Comprehensive evaluation: We look for all related conditions, not just hypertension
- Optimal ratings: We know how to document severity for higher percentages
- Effective date protection: We make sure you get the earliest possible start date
- Secondary condition development: We help identify and claim related health problems
Why Veterans Choose Us
- PACT Act specialists: We stay current on all the latest changes
- Proven track record: Thousands of successful cardiovascular claims
- No upfront costs: We only get paid if we win your case
- Nationwide representation: We help veterans in all 50 states
- Most Importantly, We NEVER GIVE UP! Check out our client spotlight on Ira Gold and how we helped him win his VA Disability Claim
Take Action: File Your VA Hypertension Claim Today
If you’re an Agent Orange veteran with high blood pressure, 2025 represents a historic opportunity. The VA has finally recognized what many veterans have known for years—that toxic exposure during military service causes serious health problems, including hypertension.
Don’t let this opportunity pass by. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving the monthly compensation you’ve earned.
Three Steps to Get Started:
- File an Intent to File immediately to protect your effective date
- Gather your basic documents (DD-214, medical records)
- Get professional help to maximize your claim’s value
Remember: Even though hypertension is now presumptive, the difference between a basic claim and a well-prepared claim can be hundreds of dollars per month for the rest of your life.
Ready to Claim Your Benefits?
Tucker Disability Law has helped thousands of veterans navigate the VA claims process. We understand the ins and outs of VA hypertension claims under the new PACT Act rules, and we know how to get you the maximum benefits you deserve.
Your consultation is free. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you understand what benefits you may be entitled to receive. If we take your case, you pay nothing unless we win.
Contact Tucker Disability Law today. Your high blood pressure may finally be the key to the VA benefits you’ve been waiting for.
Use the blue contact section NOW to call us, live chat with us, or message us. You can also message us using our confidential contact form.
Tucker Disability Law represents veterans nationwide in VA disability claims, including PACT Act presumptive conditions. Our experienced attorneys specialize in cardiovascular conditions and stay current with all VA policy changes to get you the best possible results.
