Sickle cell anemia
The VA rates Sickle cell anemia under Diagnostic Code 7714 across 4 severity levels, from 10% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 7714 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%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Sickle cell anemia?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Asymptomatic, established case in remission, but with identifiable organ impairment |
| 30% | With 1 or 2 painful episodes per 12-month period |
| 60% | With 3 painful episodes per 12-month period or with symptoms precluding other than light manual labor |
| 100% | With at least 4 or more painful episodes per 12-month period, occurring in skin, joints, bones, or any major organs, caused by hemolysis and sickling of red blood cells, with anemia, thrombosis, and infarction, with residual symptoms precluding even light manual labor |
“With 3 painful episodes per 12-month period or with symptoms precluding other than light manual labor”
Common Questions About Sickle cell anemia VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Sickle cell anemia?
The VA rates Sickle cell anemia under Diagnostic Code 7714 at 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Asymptomatic, established case in remission, but with identifiable organ impairment. The maximum 100% rating requires: With at least 4 or more painful episodes per 12-month period, occurring in skin, joints, bones, or any major organs, caused by hemolysis and sickling of red blood cells, with anemia, thrombosis, and infarction, with residual symptoms precluding even light manual labor.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Sickle cell anemia?
The VA rates Sickle cell anemia under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7714, 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 10% and a 100% rating for Sickle cell anemia?
A 10% rating requires: Asymptomatic, established case in remission, but with identifiable organ impairment. A 100% rating requires: With at least 4 or more painful episodes per 12-month period, occurring in skin, joints, bones, or any major organs, caused by hemolysis and sickling of red blood cells, with anemia, thrombosis, and infarction, with residual symptoms precluding even light manual labor. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Sickle cell anemia qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Sickle cell 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 Sickle cell anemia?
The key evidence for Sickle cell 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 Sickle cell anemia?
The C&P examiner uses a Hematologic & Lymphatic System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7714 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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