Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

This guide covers what DVA looks for when assessing this condition, including the relevant Statement of Principles factors, the evidence you should gather, and common preparation tips. Expand each section for more detail.

You are reviewing the condition-specific guidance to understand what evidence and preparation DVA expects.

DiseaseVETS Act 2026

Also known as: High Blood PressureHypertension is persistently elevated blood pressure. In veterans it can be linked to service-related stress, PTSD, obesity related to service conditions, or other accepted conditions that contribute to cardiovascular risk.

DVA uses Statements of Principles () from the Repatriation Medical Authority to determine whether a condition can be linked to service. For High Blood Pressure, DVA generally considers the following factors:

Being obese at the time of clinical onset or diagnosis, where obesity was contributed to by service
Having a renal disease linked to service
Consuming at least 12 grams of sodium per day for a period before onset
Having a psychiatric condition linked to service that contributes to hypertension (PTSD, depression)
Having sleep apnoea linked to service
Consuming a specified amount of alcohol per week for a period (linked to alcohol use disorder)

Reference: SoP No. 49 of 2023 (Reasonable Hypothesis) / SoP No. 50 of 2023 (Balance of Probabilities). RH applies to operational/warlike service; BoP applies to peacetime service. Verify at rma.gov.au.Source: rma.gov.au — verify this directly with DVA for your circumstances.

DVA uses two different standards of proof depending on your type of service. Understanding which applies to you can help you prepare your evidence.

Reasonable Hypothesis (RH)Applies to: operational, warlike, or non-warlike serviceUnder the Reasonable Hypothesis standard (operational/warlike/non-warlike service), DVA generally considers that having a service-related contributing factor — such as obesity, renal disease, psychiatric condition, or sleep apnoea linked to service — with clinical onset of hypertension within a relevant period is sufficient to raise a reasonable hypothesis.

Balance of Probabilities (BoP)Applies to: peacetime serviceUnder the Balance of Probabilities standard (peacetime service), DVA generally considers that the veteran must show it is more likely than not that hypertension was caused or materially contributed to by service-related factors.

In plain EnglishIf you had operational or warlike service, the Reasonable Hypothesis (RH) standard applies — this is a lower threshold. If your service was peacetime only, the stricter Balance of Probabilities (BoP) standard applies. Hypertension is often claimed as secondary to accepted mental health conditions. SoP instruments are updated periodically by the RMA. Always verify the current instrument at rma.gov.au/sops.

Benefit of the doubt: DVA is legally required to give you the benefit of the doubt if evidence is evenly balanced (s119 , s335 ). Learn more

DVA generally considers the standard of proof based on your service type. Verify this directly with DVA or a qualified advocate.

Required

Clinical diagnosis of hypertensionDocumented blood pressure readings showing persistent hypertension, diagnosed by your GP.How to get it: See your GP for blood pressure monitoring over time.Estimated time: 2-4 weeks for multiple readings

Evidence of the service-related contributing factorDVA acceptance letter for the related condition (PTSD, obesity, sleep apnoea) or evidence of the contributing factor.How to get it: Use your DVA acceptance letter or provide medical evidence of the contributing factor.Estimated time: Varies

Medical nexus reportA report linking your hypertension to a service-related factor.How to get it: Ask your GP or cardiologist.Estimated time: 2-4 weeks

If your hypertension is secondary to another accepted condition (PTSD, obesity, alcohol use disorder), establish that link clearly
Regular blood pressure monitoring records help demonstrate the persistence and severity of the condition
DVA generally considers the link between chronic stress (PTSD) and hypertension to be well-supported by medical evidence

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

A medical opinion linking your hypertension to a service-related factor.

What to ask your doctor

I am claiming hypertension secondary to my accepted PTSD. Could you write a report explaining the cardiovascular impact of chronic stress?

Personal statement (your own words)

Focus on the timeline of diagnosis and its relationship to your other accepted conditions.

Suggested structure

When you were diagnosed with hypertension
The connection to your service-related conditions
Impact on your health and any medications you take

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Not connecting to a specific service-related factor

Ready to take the next step?

You do not need to have everything ready before you start. Use these tools to work through the process at your own pace.

Check My Eligibility Build Evidence Checklist View Forms How to Lodge

Official + GuidanceVerified March 2026

This page combines official DVA information with platform-authored guidance. Official sources are cited where applicable.

SoP factors sourced from RMA. Guidance text explains official processes in plain language.

RMA — Statements of Principles

This is a guide onlyThis information is a free guide. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or financial advice. Always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.

When you are readyBuild your evidence checklist

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Required

Recommended

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

Personal statement (your own words)

Treatments DVA may cover

Next steps to consider

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