Iron deficiency anemia
The VA rates Iron deficiency anemia under Diagnostic Code 7720 across 3 severity levels, from 0% to 30%. 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 7720 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 30%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.117
- Body system
- Hematologic & Lymphatic System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 10%, 30%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Iron deficiency anemia?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Asymptomatic or requiring treatment only by dietary modification |
| 10% | Requiring intravenous iron infusions at least 1 time but less than 4 times per 12-month period, or requiring continuous treatment with oral supplementation |
| 30% | Requiring intravenous iron infusions 4 or more times per 12-month period |
“Requiring intravenous iron infusions at least 1 time but less than 4 times per 12-month period, or requiring continuous treatment with oral supplementation”
What other hematologic & lymphatic conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Iron deficiency anemia 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.
- 7715Non-Hodgkin's lymphomaRated up to 100%
- 7716Aplastic anemiaRated up to 100%
- 7717AL amyloidosis (primary amyloidosis)Rated up to 100%
- 7718Essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosisRated up to 100%
- 7719Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) (chronic myeloid leukemia or chronic granulocytic leukemia)Rated up to 100%
- 7721Folic acid deficiencyRated up to 10%
- 7722Pernicious anemia and Vitamin Bdeficiency anemia: 12Rated up to 100%
- 7723Acquired hemolytic anemiaRated up to 100%
- 7724Solitary plasmacytomaRated up to 100%
- 7725Myelodysplastic syndromesRated up to 100%
What to do with a Iron deficiency anemia rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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Read next
- 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.
Common Questions About Iron deficiency anemia VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Iron deficiency anemia?
The VA rates Iron deficiency anemia under Diagnostic Code 7720 at 0%, 10%, 30%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Asymptomatic or requiring treatment only by dietary modification. The maximum 30% rating requires: Requiring intravenous iron infusions 4 or more times per 12-month period.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Iron deficiency anemia?
The VA rates Iron deficiency anemia under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7720, published in 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 0% and a 30% rating for Iron deficiency anemia?
A 0% rating requires: Asymptomatic or requiring treatment only by dietary modification. A 30% rating requires: Requiring intravenous iron infusions 4 or more times 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 Iron deficiency anemia qualify for TDIU?
Iron deficiency anemia maxes at 30%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Iron deficiency anemia?
The key evidence for Iron deficiency 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 Iron deficiency anemia?
The C&P examiner uses a Hematologic & Lymphatic System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7720 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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