★ Cardiovascular
Pulmonary Hypertension VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7007
Overview
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is sustained high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, confirmed by right-heart catheterization or echocardiogram.
VA's schedule lists primary pulmonary hypertension at a flat 100% under DC 7007 because of the natural history of the disease.
Most veterans develop PH secondarily — to obstructive sleep apnea, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, scleroderma/lupus, chronic PE, or left-heart failure.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Direct: in-service onset documented by echocardiogram or cardiopulmonary workup.
- Secondary: PH caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition (commonly OSA, COPD, ILD, or DVT/PE residuals).
- Presumptive (PACT Act): when PH is a residual of a presumptive lung disease such as pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial lung disease, secondary service connection is straightforward.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.104, Diagnostic Code 7007
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Primary pulmonary hypertension (DC 7007). |
| Secondary | Pulmonary hypertension secondary to another cardiopulmonary disease — rated under the predominant disability or by analogy when right-heart involvement develops (cor pulmonale). |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Right-heart catheterization or echocardiogram showing elevated pulmonary artery pressures.
- Pulmonary function tests, 6-minute walk test, BNP/NT-proBNP labs.
- Cardiology and pulmonology treatment notes establishing diagnosis and class (WHO Functional Class I–IV).
- Documentation of underlying service-connected condition (OSA titration study, COPD spirometry, ILD imaging, etc.) for secondary claims.
Common Secondary Conditions
Conditions frequently service-connected as secondary to Pulmonary Hypertension:
What the C&P Exam Documents
General information about how this condition is typically evaluated. This is not coaching on what to say and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice.
- →VA examiners typically request the most recent echocardiogram and any right-heart catheterization report.
- →Functional class (NYHA / WHO) and METs from a stress test are central to the rating discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Pulmonary Hypertension claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Related Conditions
Sleep Apnea (Obstructive)
CPAP-required ratings (50%), and connecting OSA secondary to PTSD or sinusitis.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
FEV-1/FVC, DLCO, and exacerbation-based ratings under DC 6604.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
PACT Act presumptive; rated under DC 6825 by FVC and DLCO.
Congestive Heart Failure
METs, ejection fraction, and acute episode criteria across the cardiac diagnostic codes.