For many veterans, routine lab work brings unexpected questions. One of the most common is a diagnosis of hyperlipidemia, also known as high cholesterol. Once that diagnosis appears in medical records, it’s natural to wonder whether it qualifies for VA disability compensation.
The answer is not as simple as yes or no. While hyperlipidemia itself is not considered a ratable disability by the VA, it often plays a critical role in claims involving serious, compensable conditions. Understanding how the VA views high cholesterol can help veterans avoid denied claims and focus on strategies that actually work.
Introduction to Hyperlipidemia in Veterans
Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood. It is typically discovered during blood tests and rarely causes symptoms on its own.
Medical professionals widely agree that hyperlipidemia can be influenced by genetics, diet, physical activity, weight, and certain medications. Among veterans, long-term stress, disrupted sleep, medication side effects, and service-related conditions can contribute to metabolic changes over time.
According to guidance often cited by the American Heart Association, lifestyle changes such as improved diet, increased physical activity, smoking cessation, and weight management can help reduce cholesterol levels.
A VA clinician explained:
“High cholesterol by itself isn’t disabling, but it’s a major risk factor for conditions that absolutely are.”
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Is There a VA Disability Rating for Hyperlipidemia?
No. The VA does not assign a disability rating for hyperlipidemia or high cholesterol.
The Department of Veterans Affairs considers hyperlipidemia a laboratory finding, not a disease or injury that causes functional impairment. Because VA disability compensation is based on loss of earning capacity, conditions without symptoms or functional impact are not rated.
VA Position on Hyperlipidemia
| Condition | VA Disability Rating |
|---|---|
| Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) | Not ratable |
| High triglycerides | Not ratable |
| Lab findings only | Not compensable |
This means filing a VA claim for hyperlipidemia alone will almost always result in denial.
How Hyperlipidemia Can Still Support a VA Claim?
Although hyperlipidemia is not compensable on its own, it can serve as secondary evidence supporting service connection for other disabilities.
High cholesterol significantly increases the risk of developing chronic conditions that are ratable under VA regulations. If one of those conditions can be linked to military service, hyperlipidemia may strengthen the claim.
A VA-accredited claims agent noted:
“Hyperlipidemia is often the missing puzzle piece that explains how a veteran developed a compensable condition years later.”
VA Disability Ratings for Conditions Commonly Linked to Hyperlipidemia
Diabetes VA Disability Rating
The VA rates diabetes mellitus under Diagnostic Code 7913, with ratings based on treatment requirements and complications.
| Rating | Criteria (Simplified) |
|---|---|
| 10% | Managed by diet alone |
| 20% | Requires oral medication or insulin |
| 40–100% | Insulin use with activity restrictions and complications |
If hyperlipidemia contributed to metabolic dysfunction that led to diabetes, it may help support a secondary service connection.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) VA Disability Rating
Hypertension is rated under Diagnostic Code 7101 and is compensable when sustained elevated blood pressure causes health risks.
| Rating | Basis |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild elevation |
| 20–60% | Increasing severity |
High cholesterol can worsen vascular health and contribute to hypertension, particularly when combined with service-connected conditions like PTSD or medication side effects.
A cardiology specialist stated:
“Cholesterol and blood pressure often rise together. From a medical standpoint, they’re deeply connected.”
VA Disability Ratings for Heart Disease
Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for heart disease, including ischemic heart disease.
Under Diagnostic Code 7005, the VA rates ischemic heart disease as follows:
| Rating | Severity |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild symptoms |
| 30–60% | Moderate functional limitation |
| 100% | Severe impairment |
Heart disease is one of the most frequently granted secondary service connections where hyperlipidemia appears in the medical history.
How to Establish Service Connection?
Even when hyperlipidemia is involved, VA claims still require three core elements.
Service Connection Requirements
| Requirement | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Current diagnosis | A ratable condition (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease) |
| In-service event | Injury, illness, exposure, or aggravation |
| Medical nexus | A professional link between service and condition |
Hyperlipidemia often strengthens the nexus, especially when medical records show a gradual progression from service-related factors to a current disability.
How to File a VA Claim the Right Way?
If your hyperlipidemia contributed to another condition, the claim should focus on the ratable condition, not cholesterol itself.
VA Claim Filing Steps
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Gather records | Medical files, labs, service records |
| Obtain nexus letter | Medical opinion linking service |
| File VA Form 21-526EZ | Disability compensation form |
| Attend exams | VA compensation exams |
| Await decision | VA review and rating |
Claims supported by detailed medical opinions and longitudinal records have a significantly higher success rate.
VA Health Care and Hyperlipidemia Treatment
Even without a disability rating, veterans can still receive treatment for high cholesterol through VA health care.
This often includes:
- Statin medications
- Regular blood monitoring
- Cardiovascular risk screening
A VA primary care provider emphasized:
“Treatment eligibility and compensation eligibility are not the same thing.”
Why Veterans Should Not Ignore Hyperlipidemia?
While hyperlipidemia alone won’t generate compensation, ignoring it can lead to severe, life-altering conditions later.
From a VA claims perspective, early documentation of cholesterol issues can:
- Support future secondary claims
- Establish timelines of disease progression
- Strengthen nexus arguments
Final Thought
Hyperlipidemia is not a ratable VA disability. However, it is often a critical medical link to serious, compensable conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Veterans should focus claims on the conditions the VA recognizes while using hyperlipidemia as supporting medical evidence. Strong documentation, expert medical opinions, and a clear service connection are the keys to success.
FAQs
Is high cholesterol a VA disability?
No, it is considered a laboratory finding, not a disability.
Can hyperlipidemia help with another VA claim?
Yes, as supporting evidence for a secondary condition.
Does the VA treat hyperlipidemia?
Yes, through VA health care services.
Is there a VA rating for high triglycerides?
No, triglycerides are also lab findings.
What conditions are commonly linked to hyperlipidemia?
Diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
