EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Iron Deficiency Anemia (Generic — Rated by Analogy)
DC 7716 | 38 CFR § 4.117, DC 7716 by analogy (the pre-amendment DC 7700 was REMOVED 2018-12-09; rate per DC 7716 aplastic anemia framework OR within underlying SC condition's rating) |
Iron Deficiency Anemia (Generic — Rated by Analogy) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7716 of 38 CFR § 4.117, DC 7716 by analogy (the pre-amendment DC 7700 was REMOVED 2018-12-09; rate per DC 7716 aplastic anemia framework OR within underlying SC condition's rating) across 5 severity tiers (100% / 60% / 30% / 10% / 0%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
OVERVIEW
Most common type of anemia where the body lacks sufficient iron to produce adequate hemoglobin. Causes fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Often secondary to service-connected GI bleeding (peptic ulcer, IBD, colorectal cancer), chronic renal disease (anemia of CKD), heavy menstruation, or poor absorption.
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
100%
DC 7716 by analogy — Per verbatim § 4.117 DC 7716: 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 per 12-month period. For generic anemia, this tier rarely reached unless severe transfusion-dependent or active malignancy concurrent.
60%
DC 7716 by analogy — Per verbatim § 4.117 DC 7716: requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells, on average, at least once every three months per 12-month period; OR infections recurring, on average, at least once every three months per 12-month period; OR using continuous therapy with immunosuppressive agent or newer platelet stimulating factors (ESA — erythropoiesis-stimulating agents like epoetin alfa / darbepoetin).
30%
DC 7716 by analogy — Per verbatim § 4.117 DC 7716: requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells, on average, at least once per 12-month period; OR infections recurring, on average, at least once per 12-month period. For generic chronic anemia, this captures patients requiring occasional transfusions or with recurrent secondary-infection burden.
10%
DC 7716 by analogy — Functional surrogate tier for chronic-disease anemia not meeting verbatim DC 7716 transfusion thresholds: Hgb persistently < 10 g/dL with chronic fatigue / dyspnea on exertion requiring continuous medication (oral iron, IV iron infusions, ESA therapy at maintenance doses).
0%
Documented anemia with Hgb 10-12 g/dL, asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, managed with oral iron supplementation or dietary modification. No transfusions, no ESA therapy.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records
-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records
-Buddy/lay statements
-Prescription history
-Employment impact documentation
-Any relevant diagnostic testing
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.
2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.
3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.
4.Mention all medications and their side effects.
5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026