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Veteran Q&A

Is hypertension a PACT Act presumptive condition?

Yes — hypertension was added to the Agent Orange presumptive list under the 2024 PACT Act expansion.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) became a presumptive condition for Vietnam-era Agent Orange-exposed veterans under the 2024 PACT Act expansion. If you served in Vietnam (in-country or blue-water Navy), the Korea DMZ (1968-1971), or other Agent Orange-exposure locations, you qualify with no nexus letter required.

Detail

  • Era requirement: Vietnam 1962-1975 (in-country or Brown Water Navy), Korea DMZ 1968-04-01 to 1971-08-31, or Vietnam offshore (blue-water Navy) 1962-01-09 to 1976-04-30.
  • Added to presumptive list: 2024, retroactive to filings going back ~1 year.
  • File VA Form 21-526EZ with diagnosis evidence (BP readings, prescription records).
  • If your prior hypertension claim was denied before the 2024 expansion, file a Form 20-0995 Supplemental Claim to reopen.
  • CVSO will file the supplemental claim for you at no cost.
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net.

Related pages

Hypertension — full presumptive detailsAgent Orange exposureVA Form 21-526EZForm 20-0995 — Supplemental Claim (for denied prior claims)

Other veteran questions

How do I file a VA disability claim?File VA Form 21-526EZ — Application for Disability Compensation.How long does a VA disability claim take?4-6 months on average for an initial decision; longer for complex or appealed claims.What is a DD-214?A DD-214 is the federal Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty issued to every U.S. servicemember leaving active service.What is TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?TDIU is a VA designation that pays at the 100% disability rate when service-connected disabilities prevent you from holding "substantially gainful employment," even if your combined rating is below 100%.Are VA disability payments taxed?No. VA disability compensation is fully tax-free under federal law (38 USC §5301).Is asthma a PACT Act presumptive condition?Yes. Asthma diagnosed after service is a PACT Act burn-pit presumptive for post-9/11 veterans who served in qualifying locations.

About these answers

These plain-English answers are maintained by Wounded Warriors (national 501(c)(3), EIN 86-1336741). We cite VA's official sources where applicable. Always verify the most current rules at va.gov. Free, machine-queryable under CC-BY 4.0.