Diagnostic Code 7007 · 38 CFR §4.104
Hypertensive heart disease is heart damage caused by long-term high blood pressure. When blood pressure stays elevated over years, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, which causes the heart muscle to thicken and eventually weaken. This can lead to heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, and other serious complications. Many veterans develop hypertension during or after service due to stress, diet, environmental exposures, or other service-related factors, and the resulting heart damage can qualify for disability compensation.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | |
| 60% | |
| 30% | |
| 10% |
Medical records showing a diagnosis of hypertension during or shortly after military service, Cardiology records documenting hypertensive heart disease — left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, or heart failure, Echocardiogram with ejection fraction measurement and notes on cardiac structure, Stress test results or documented METs estimation based on activity level, Blood pressure monitoring records over time showing the progression, Pharmacy records showing continuous use of cardiac and blood pressure medications