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Aplastic Anemia VA Disability Rating
DC 7716 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.117 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2.G
OVERVIEW
Aplastic anemia is rated under DC 7716 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.117. Rating based on transfusion requirements, infection frequency, and immunosuppressive treatment. May be caused by toxic chemical exposures during service (benzene, solvents, radiation). Presumptive for veterans with ionizing radiation exposure under 38 C.F.R. § 3.311.
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
100% — Requiring stem cell transplant, or transfusion/infections every 6 weeks
Requiring peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant; OR requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells on average at least once every six weeks per 12-month period; OR infections recurring on average at least once every six weeks. 100% rating from date of transplant for minimum one year post-transplant.
60% — Requiring transfusion or infections at least once every 3 months
Requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells on average at least once every three months per 12-month period; OR infections recurring at least once every three months; OR continuous immunosuppressive therapy or platelet-stimulating factors.
30% — Requiring transfusion or infections at least once per year
Requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells on average at least once per 12-month period; OR infections recurring at least once per 12-month period.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Bone marrow biopsy confirming aplastic anemia with cellularity <25%
-Complete blood count history showing pancytopenia
-Transfusion records documenting frequency
-Treatment records: ATG/cyclosporine, eltrombopag, bone marrow transplant
-Service records documenting benzene, solvent, or radiation exposure
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (1 MAPPED)
DC 7717
Chronic transfusion therapy causes iron overload with organ damage.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.Document transfusion frequency precisely — the number of transfusions per year is the primary rating driver.
2.Bone marrow transplant qualifies for 100% — file immediately if transplant is performed.
3.Benzene and solvent exposure during service (auto mechanics, fuel handlers) establishes nexus.
4.Ionizing radiation exposure (nuclear test sites) supports service connection under § 3.311.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.117, DC 7716 (Aplastic anemia) Notes (1)(2)
100% evaluation for stem cell transplant continues for a minimum of one year post-transplant, then mandatory VA examination. Reduction from 100% following transplant is subject to § 3.105(e). Rate residuals under appropriate diagnostic codes if bone marrow function improves.
DOLLAR IMPACT
30%: $524.31/mo. 60%: $1,131.68/mo. 100%: $3,938.58/mo.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026