DC 7716Hematologic & Lymphatic System38 CFR § 4.117

Aplastic anemia

The VA rates Aplastic anemia under Diagnostic Code 7716 across 3 severity levels, from 30% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.

Rating schedule — DC 7716 at a glance

Minimum rating
30%

Lowest schedular rating available

Maximum rating
100%

Full schedular disability

Rating tiers
3

30%, 60%, 100%

CFR section
§ 4.117

Part 4 rating schedule

Body system
Hematologic & Lymphatic System
Secondary conditions
0

None mapped

What are the VA rating criteria for Aplastic anemia?

RatingCriteria
30%

Requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells, on average, at least once per 12-month period; or infections recurring, on average, at least once per 12-month period

Note: Aplastic anemia is characterized by bone marrow failure causing pancytopenia.

60%

Requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells, on average, at least once every three months per 12-month period; or infections recurring, on average, at least once every three months per 12-month period; or using continuous therapy with immunosuppressive agent or newer platelet stimulating factors

100%

Requiring peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant; or requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells, on average, at least once every six weeks per 12-month period; or infections recurring, on average, at least once every six weeks per 12-month period

Note: After bone marrow transplant, rerating is required 6 months post-procedure based on residuals.

Requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells, on average, at least once every three months per 12-month period; or infections recurring, on average, at least once every three months per 12-month period; or using continuous therapy with immunosuppressive agent or newer platelet stimulating factors

Common Questions About Aplastic anemia VA Ratings

What is the VA rating range for Aplastic anemia?

The VA rates Aplastic anemia under Diagnostic Code 7716 at 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 30% rating requires: Requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells, on average, at least once per 12-month period; or infections recurring, on average, at least once per 12-month period. The maximum 100% rating requires: Requiring peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant; or requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells, on average, at least once every six weeks per 12-month period; or infections recurring, on average, at least once every six weeks per 12-month period.

Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Aplastic anemia?

The VA rates Aplastic anemia under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7716, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.117. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.

What is the difference between a 30% and a 100% rating for Aplastic anemia?

A 30% rating requires: Requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells, on average, at least once per 12-month period; or infections recurring, on average, at least once per 12-month period. A 100% rating requires: Requiring peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant; or requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells, on average, at least once every six weeks per 12-month period; or infections recurring, on average, at least once every six weeks per 12-month period. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.

Can Aplastic anemia qualify for TDIU?

Yes — a 100% rating for Aplastic anemia 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 Aplastic anemia?

The key evidence for Aplastic anemia 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 Aplastic anemia?

The C&P examiner uses a Hematologic & Lymphatic System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7716 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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