Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic)
The VA rates Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic) under Diagnostic Code 7700 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Rating schedule · DC 7700 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- Part 4
- Body system
- Hematologic & Lymphatic System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 10%, 30%, 70%, 100%
No section-level citation for this code
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Iron deficiency anemia: Hemoglobin above 10 g/dL with mild symptoms (fatigue, pallor) controlled with oral iron supplementation; no transfusion requirement. Note: Must establish service connection (e.g., service-related blood loss, dietary deficiency during service). |
| 10% | Iron deficiency anemia: Hemoglobin 9–10 g/dL; symptomatic (fatigue, weakness, exertional dyspnea); requiring regular treatment; no transfusion dependency. |
| 30% | Iron deficiency anemia: Hemoglobin 7–8.9 g/dL; significantly symptomatic (severe fatigue, weakness limiting activity, palpitations); requiring IV iron, parenteral therapy, or occasional transfusions. |
| 70% | Iron deficiency anemia: Hemoglobin 5–6.9 g/dL; severe symptoms (severe fatigue, dyspnea at rest, tachycardia); requiring frequent transfusions (every 1–3 months); significant limitation of all activity. |
| 100% | Iron deficiency anemia: Hemoglobin below 5 g/dL; or transfusion-dependent (requiring transfusions more than once monthly); near-total incapacitation; risk of cardiac decompensation. |
“Iron deficiency anemia: Hemoglobin 7–8.9 g/dL; significantly symptomatic (severe fatigue, weakness limiting activity, palpitations); requiring IV iron, parenteral therapy, or occasional transfusions.”
What other hematologic & lymphatic conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic) in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 7702Agranulocytosis, acquiredRated up to 100%
- 7703Leukemia (except for chronic myelogenous leukemia)Rated up to 100%
- 7704Polycythemia veraRated up to 100%
- 7705Immune thrombocytopeniaRated up to 100%
- 7706SplenectomyRated up to 20%
- 7709Hodgkin's lymphomaRated up to 100%
- 7710Adenitis, tuberculous, active or inactiveRated up to 0%
- 7712Multiple myelomaRated up to 100%
- 7714Sickle cell anemiaRated up to 100%
- 7715Non-Hodgkin's lymphomaRated up to 100%
What to do with a Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic) rating
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- The VA C&P Exam Explained: Before, During, and AfterA VA C&P exam helps VA decide service connection and your rating. Here is what happens before, during, and after, plus how to request your exam report.
- VA Service Connection Evidence 101: The Three-Legged StoolFor an original claim tied to active-duty service, VA needs a current disability, an in-service event, and a link between them. Here is what each part takes.
- VA Math Explained: How Combined Disability Ratings Really WorkVA ratings do not add. Learn how 38 CFR 4.25 combines disabilities using whole-person efficiency, why 50 and 30 round to 70, and how the bilateral factor works.
- TDIU: 100 Percent VA Pay Without a 100 Percent RatingTDIU pays the 100% VA compensation rate without a 100% rating. See the percentage paths, the extraschedular route under 38 CFR 4.16(b), and how work affects it.
- P&T vs 100% VA Disability: What Is the Difference?Permanent and total (P&T) and a 100 percent VA rating are not the same thing. Here is what total, permanent, and protected each mean, and what P&T unlocks.
Common Questions About Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic)?
The VA rates Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic) under Diagnostic Code 7700 at 0%, 10%, 30%, 70%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Iron deficiency anemia: Hemoglobin above 10 g/dL with mild symptoms (fatigue, pallor) controlled with oral iron supplementation; no transfusion requirement.. The maximum 100% rating requires: Iron deficiency anemia: Hemoglobin below 5 g/dL; or transfusion-dependent (requiring transfusions more than once monthly); near-total incapacitation; risk of cardiac decompensation..
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic)?
The VA rates Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7700, within 38 CFR Part 4, the Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 100% rating for Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic)?
A 0% rating requires: Iron deficiency anemia: Hemoglobin above 10 g/dL with mild symptoms (fatigue, pallor) controlled with oral iron supplementation; no transfusion requirement.. A 100% rating requires: Iron deficiency anemia: Hemoglobin below 5 g/dL; or transfusion-dependent (requiring transfusions more than once monthly); near-total incapacitation; risk of cardiac decompensation.. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic) qualify for TDIU?
Yes, a 100% rating for Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic) alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic)?
The key evidence for Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic) is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic)?
The C&P examiner uses a Hematologic & Lymphatic System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7700 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best; the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
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