What Is Renal Denervation and Who Qualifies?

Renal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure designed to lower high blood pressure in patients who have not responded to standard medications. The treatment uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt nerves in the renal arteries, which play a role in regulating blood pressure. The Houston VA Medical Center is among the first VA facilities to offer this procedure to veterans.

Eligibility is generally limited to veterans diagnosed with resistant hypertension—meaning their blood pressure remains high despite using at least three antihypertensive medications, including a diuretic. If you have struggled to control your blood pressure with medication, ask your VA primary care provider about a referral for renal denervation evaluation.

How to Access Renal Denervation at the VA

To pursue this treatment, start by scheduling an appointment with your VA primary care provider. Bring a list of your current medications and blood pressure readings. Your provider will review your medical history and may refer you to a VA cardiologist or hypertension specialist for further evaluation.

If you are eligible, you may be scheduled for additional diagnostic tests and a consultation to discuss the risks and benefits. The procedure is performed at select VA Medical Centers, currently including the Houston VAMC. If you receive care at another VA facility, your provider can discuss potential referrals or travel options under the VA's beneficiary travel program (see our explainers for more on VA travel benefits).

Costs, Coverage, and Related VA Benefits

Renal denervation is covered as a medically necessary procedure for eligible veterans enrolled in VA health care. There are no out-of-pocket costs for most veterans who meet standard VA eligibility criteria (see 38 CFR § 17.38 for covered services). If you are enrolled in TRICARE or have other insurance, coordination of benefits may apply, but VA will remain the primary payer for care received at VA facilities.

Veterans who receive a new diagnosis of service-connected hypertension may also be eligible for VA disability compensation. Use our VA disability rating calculator to estimate your monthly benefit if your blood pressure condition is rated as service-connected. For more information on filing a claim, visit our VA claims hub.

Next Steps: What Veterans Should Do

  • Contact your VA primary care provider to discuss your blood pressure management and ask about renal denervation if medications have not worked.
  • Gather your recent blood pressure logs and medication lists for your appointment.
  • Ask about the referral process to the Houston VA or other participating VA centers.
  • If you have a new or worsening hypertension diagnosis, consider filing a VA disability claim. Visit our disability ratings hub for guidance.

This new treatment option may improve quality of life and reduce long-term health risks for veterans living with uncontrolled hypertension. Stay informed about updates to VA healthcare offerings by checking our topic explainers regularly.