Sickle cell anemia — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7714)
The VA rates Sickle cell anemia under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.117, Diagnostic Code 7714, from 10% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. 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 i…. Related conditions in the Hematologic body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Sickle cell anemia?
Asymptomatic, established case in remission, but with identifiable organ impairment
With 1 or 2 painful episodes per 12-month period
With 3 painful episodes per 12-month period or with symptoms precluding other than light manual labor
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”
How does the VA rate Hematologic conditions?
Common Questions About Sickle cell anemia VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Sickle cell anemia?
The VA rates Sickle cell anemia under Diagnostic Code 7714 at the following tiers: 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.
What is Diagnostic Code 7714?
Diagnostic Code 7714 is the VA rating identifier for Sickle cell anemia 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 Sickle cell anemia?
The highest schedular rating for Sickle cell anemia under DC 7714 is 100%. This tier 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. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Sickle cell anemia 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 Sickle cell anemia ratings?
Sickle cell anemia is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.117, Diagnostic Code 7714. 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 Sickle cell anemia?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Sickle cell anemia 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 Sickle cell anemia?
Service connection for Sickle cell anemia 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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