Diagnostic Code 7705 · 38 CFR §4.117
Thrombocytopenia means having an abnormally low platelet count, which impairs your blood's ability to clot properly. This can lead to easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, petechiae (tiny red dots on the skin), and in severe cases, dangerous internal bleeding. Veterans may develop thrombocytopenia from exposure to toxic chemicals during service, as a side effect of medications for service-connected conditions, from autoimmune conditions triggered by service stressors, or from infections acquired during deployment. The VA rates thrombocytopenia based on platelet count levels and bleeding symptoms.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Platelet count is mildly reduced but above 100,000 per microliter with no bleeding symptoms. |
| 10% | Platelet count is reduced with occasional bruising or minor bleeding episodes. You may need to avoid contact sports or blood-thinning medications. |
| 30% | Platelet count is moderately low (typically 50,000-100,000) with frequent bruising, occasional significant bleeding, and the need for ongoing medical monitoring or treatment. |
| 70% | Severely reduced platelet count (typically below 50,000) with frequent or spontaneous bleeding episodes requiring medical intervention. Daily activities must be modified to avoid injury, and employment options are limited. |
| 100% | Critically low platelets requiring frequent transfusions or intensive treatment, with life-threatening bleeding risk. Normal daily activities and employment are impossible due to bleeding danger. |
Serial platelet count laboratory results over time are the primary evidence. Single readings can fluctuate, so a pattern of consistently low counts is more compelling. Treatment records showing any medications, platelet transfusions, or surgical interventions for bleeding episodes demonstrate severity. If thrombocytopenia is secondary to toxic exposure, medication side effects, or an autoimmune condition, a nexus opinion linking it to service or a service-connected condition is needed. Documentation of bleeding episodes — ER visits, prolonged bleeding after dental work, spontaneous bruising — supports the functional impact.
Yes. If a medication prescribed for a service-connected condition causes low platelet counts, the resulting thrombocytopenia can be claimed as a secondary condition. Document the medication, the platelet count decline after starting it, and get a nexus opinion from your doctor.
The VA does not publish exact cutoff numbers, but generally platelet counts below 150,000 per microliter are considered low. The rating depends on the combination of your platelet level and the severity of bleeding symptoms and functional limitations.