EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Pernicious Anemia
DC 7700 | 38 CFR § 4.117, DC 7700 |
Pernicious Anemia is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7700 of 38 CFR § 4.117, DC 7700 across 5 severity tiers (0% / 10% / 30% / 60% / 100%). 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
Autoimmune condition where the body cannot absorb vitamin B12 due to lack of intrinsic factor. Causes megaloblastic anemia, fatigue, neurological symptoms including peripheral neuropathy and cognitive changes.
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
0%
Condition in remission or asymptomatic with stable blood counts.
10%
Mild symptoms requiring continuous medication; or hemoglobin 10g/dL or less with anemia symptoms.
30%
Moderate symptoms with frequent transfusions or regular treatment; or recurrent infections from immunodeficiency.
60%
Severe symptoms requiring frequent hospitalization, transfusions, or significant organ involvement.
100%
Active disease requiring continuous intensive treatment or with life-threatening complications.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records showing injury or complaints
-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)
-Range of motion measurements
-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin
-Buddy statements describing limitations
-Prescription history
-Physical therapy records
-Employment impact documentation
C&P EXAM TIPS (6)
1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.
2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.
3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.
4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).
5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.
6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.
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