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Hodgkin's Lymphoma VA Disability Rating
DC 7709 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.117 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2.G
OVERVIEW
Hodgkin's Lymphoma is rated at 100% during active disease under DC 7709 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.117. Six months after discontinuance of treatment, mandatory VA examination required. If no recurrence, ratings based on residuals.
RATING CRITERIA (2 LEVELS)
100% — Active disease or during treatment phase
100% during any active disease or treatment phase (chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy). Rate under DC 7709. Mandatory VA examination 6 months after cessation of all treatment. If no recurrence, rate residuals.
Residuals — Minimum rating after successful treatment
After successful treatment and no recurrence at mandatory 6-month exam, rate residuals under appropriate diagnostic codes. Minimum rating reflects documented treatment history and potential late effects of lymphoma treatment.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Pathology report confirming Hodgkin's Lymphoma (Reed-Sternberg cells)
-Oncology treatment records
-Radiation exposure records if applicable
-Post-treatment surveillance imaging
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (4 MAPPED)
DC 7903
Neck/mediastinal radiation causes hypothyroidism in 30-40% of Hodgkin's patients.
DC 8520
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy from ABVD regimen.
DC Various
Radiation and chemotherapy increase secondary cancer risk.
DC 7005
Mediastinal radiation accelerates coronary artery disease and valvular disease.
C&P EXAM TIPS (3)
1.File immediately upon diagnosis to protect effective date.
2.At the 6-month post-treatment exam, document all residuals: neuropathy, thyroid status, cardiac function.
3.Hypothyroidism from neck radiation should be filed as a separate secondary claim.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.117, DC 7709 (Hodgkin's lymphoma) Note
100% evaluation continues beyond cessation of treatment. Six months after discontinuance, mandatory VA examination required. Any reduction in evaluation based on that or any subsequent examination is subject to § 3.105(e). Late effects of radiation/chemotherapy (cardiomyopathy, secondary cancers, pulmonary fibrosis) are separately ratable.
DOLLAR IMPACT
100% during treatment: $3,938.58/mo. Residuals including neuropathy, hypothyroidism, cardiovascular disease can support 50-70%+ combined in remission.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
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