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%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 7700 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- Part 4, DC 7700
- Body system
- Hematologic & Lymphatic System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 10%, 30%, 70%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
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.”
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, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7700. 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.
Get a Personalized Rating Analysis
VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.
Discover Your Benefits