Diagnostic Code 7700 · 38 CFR §4.117
Note: Diagnostic code 7700 was removed from the VA rating schedule in the 2018 revision of hematologic and lymphatic conditions. Veterans who were already rated under DC 7700 before the revision retain their existing rating and are protected from reduction under the old criteria. New claims for anemia should be filed under the specific type of anemia that applies, such as iron deficiency anemia (DC 7720), pernicious anemia (DC 7722), acquired hemolytic anemia (DC 7723), or folic acid deficiency (DC 7721). The information below reflects the pre-revision criteria for veterans with existing DC 7700 ratings. Anemia is a condition where your blood does not carry enough oxygen because you have too few red blood cells or your hemoglobin levels are too low. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath during activity, dizziness, pale skin, cold hands and feet, and difficulty concentrating. Veterans may develop anemia from blood loss due to service-connected injuries, exposure to toxic substances that affect bone marrow, chronic kidney disease from service-connected conditions, or nutritional deficiencies related to gastrointestinal conditions. The VA rates anemia primarily based on hemoglobin levels and functional symptoms.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Hemoglobin levels are at or near normal range. No symptoms that affect daily functioning. |
| 10% | Hemoglobin is mildly reduced (around 10 g/dL) with noticeable fatigue and weakness that affects your stamina but does not prevent you from working. |
| 30% | Hemoglobin is moderately low (around 8 g/dL) with persistent fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath on mild exertion, and headaches. Daily activities require frequent rest breaks. |
| 70% | Hemoglobin is significantly reduced (around 7 g/dL) with severe fatigue, breathlessness at rest or with minimal activity, frequent dizziness, and inability to maintain consistent employment. |
| 100% | Hemoglobin is dangerously low (around 5 g/dL) requiring repeated blood transfusions. You experience severe fatigue, heart strain, and are unable to perform any sustained physical activity. |
Complete blood count (CBC) laboratory results showing hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are the foundation of an anemia claim. Serial blood tests over time showing persistent anemia (not just a single low reading) strengthen the claim. Treatment records showing iron supplementation, B12 injections, erythropoietin therapy, or blood transfusions document severity. If anemia is secondary to a service-connected condition (kidney disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, medications), a nexus opinion linking the conditions is needed. Lay statements describing fatigue, activity limitations, and impact on work are helpful.
Yes. Anemia can be directly service-connected if caused by in-service blood loss, toxic exposure, or nutritional deficiency during service. It can also be claimed secondary to service-connected conditions like chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders that cause bleeding, or medications that suppress bone marrow.
The VA does not set exact hemoglobin cutoffs in the rating criteria, but general guidelines tie rating levels to hemoglobin ranges. The key factor is the combination of lab values and functional impairment — how your anemia limits your daily life matters alongside the numbers.
If you already have a rating under DC 7700, your existing rating is protected. For new claims, identify which specific type of anemia you have and file under the appropriate code: iron deficiency anemia (DC 7720), pernicious or B12 deficiency anemia (DC 7722), folic acid deficiency (DC 7721), or acquired hemolytic anemia (DC 7723).