Polycythemia vera — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7704)
The VA rates Polycythemia vera under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.117, Diagnostic Code 7704, from 10% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. 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. Related conditions in the Hematologic body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Polycythemia vera?
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
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
Requiring phlebotomy 6 or more times per 12-month period or molecularly targeted therapy for the purpose of controlling RBC count
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”
How does the VA rate Hematologic conditions?
Common Questions About Polycythemia vera VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Polycythemia vera?
The VA rates Polycythemia vera under Diagnostic Code 7704 at the following tiers: 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.
What is Diagnostic Code 7704?
Diagnostic Code 7704 is the VA rating identifier for Polycythemia vera within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.117. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.
What is the highest rating for Polycythemia vera?
The highest schedular rating for Polycythemia vera under DC 7704 is 100%. This tier requires: Requiring peripheral blood or bone marrow stem-cell transplant or chemotherapy (including myelosuppressants) for the purpose of ameliorating the symptom burden. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Polycythemia vera alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Polycythemia vera ratings?
Polycythemia vera is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.117, Diagnostic Code 7704. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Polycythemia vera?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Polycythemia vera may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Polycythemia vera?
Service connection for Polycythemia vera requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.
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