Polycythemia vera
The VA rates Polycythemia vera under Diagnostic Code 7704 across 4 severity levels, from 10% 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 7704 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.117
- Body system
- Hematologic & Lymphatic System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
10%, 30%, 60%, 100%
Where this code is published
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Polycythemia vera?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Requiring phlebotomy 3 or fewer times per 12-month period or if requiring biologic therapy or interferon on an intermittent basis as needed to maintain all blood values at reference range levels |
| 30% | Requiring phlebotomy 4-5 times per 12-month period, or if requiring continuous biologic therapy or myelosuppressive agents, to include interferon, to maintain platelets <200,000 or white blood cells (WBC) <12,000 |
| 60% | Requiring phlebotomy 6 or more times per 12-month period or molecularly targeted therapy for the purpose of controlling RBC count |
| 100% | Requiring peripheral blood or bone marrow stem-cell transplant or chemotherapy (including myelosuppressants) for the purpose of ameliorating the symptom burden |
“Requiring phlebotomy 6 or more times per 12-month period or molecularly targeted therapy for the purpose of controlling RBC count”
What other hematologic & lymphatic conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Polycythemia vera 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.
- 7700Anemia, Iron Deficiency (Hypochromic-Microcytic)Rated up to 100%
- 7702Agranulocytosis, acquiredRated up to 100%
- 7703Leukemia (except for chronic myelogenous leukemia)Rated 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 Polycythemia vera rating
The tools, regulations and guides that pick up where the criteria above leave off.
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- 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.
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Common Questions About Polycythemia vera VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Polycythemia vera?
The VA rates Polycythemia vera under Diagnostic Code 7704 at 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Requiring phlebotomy 3 or fewer times per 12-month period or if requiring biologic therapy or interferon on an intermittent basis as needed to maintain all blood values at reference range levels. The maximum 100% rating requires: Requiring peripheral blood or bone marrow stem-cell transplant or chemotherapy (including myelosuppressants) for the purpose of ameliorating the symptom burden.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Polycythemia vera?
The VA rates Polycythemia vera under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7704, 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 10% and a 100% rating for Polycythemia vera?
A 10% rating requires: Requiring phlebotomy 3 or fewer times per 12-month period or if requiring biologic therapy or interferon on an intermittent basis as needed to maintain all blood values at reference range levels. A 100% rating requires: Requiring peripheral blood or bone marrow stem-cell transplant or chemotherapy (including myelosuppressants) for the purpose of ameliorating the symptom burden. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Polycythemia vera qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Polycythemia vera 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 Polycythemia vera?
The key evidence for Polycythemia vera 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 Polycythemia vera?
The C&P examiner uses a Hematologic & Lymphatic System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7704 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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