EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
← All Condition GuidesCLAIM RECON INTEL
Sickle Cell Anemia VA Disability Rating
DC 7714 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.117 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2.G
OVERVIEW
Sickle cell anemia is rated under DC 7714 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.117. Rating based on frequency of painful vaso-occlusive crises per year and resulting functional limitation. Note: Sickle cell TRAIT alone, without pathological findings, is NOT a ratable disability. Only symptomatic sickle cell disease is ratable.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
100% — 4+ painful episodes per year with severe limitation
Four or more painful episodes per 12-month period in skin, joints, bones, or major organs with anemia, thrombosis, and infarction, with residual symptoms precluding even light manual labor.
60% — 3 painful episodes or precludes more than light work
Three painful episodes per 12-month period; OR symptoms precluding other than light manual labor.
30% — 1-2 painful episodes per year
One or two painful episodes per 12-month period.
10% — Asymptomatic with identifiable organ impairment
Asymptomatic, established case in remission, but with identifiable organ impairment (spleen, kidney, eye, heart, bone).
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Hemoglobin electrophoresis confirming diagnosis (HbSS, HbSC)
-Records of painful vaso-occlusive crises and emergency visits
-Documentation of organ damage: stroke, avascular necrosis, renal disease, retinopathy
-Hospitalization records for acute chest syndrome
-Records of hydroxyurea treatment or transfusion therapy
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (4 MAPPED)
DC 5250/5200
Sickle cell causes avascular necrosis of femoral and humeral heads.
DC 8007/8045
Sickle cell causes ischemic stroke from vascular occlusion.
DC 7502
Sickle cell nephropathy causes chronic kidney disease.
DC 6006
Sickle cell retinopathy causes visual impairment.
C&P EXAM TIPS (3)
1.Document each painful crisis: date, location, duration, treatment. Emergency records are strongest evidence.
2.Secondary complications (avascular necrosis, stroke, kidney disease, retinopathy) are often higher-value claims than the primary sickle cell rating.
3.If symptoms preclude more than light work but you have had fewer than 3 crises, the 60% functional criterion may apply.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.117, DC 7714 Note
Sickle cell trait alone without directly attributable pathological findings is not a ratable disability.
DOLLAR IMPACT
1-2 crises/year: 30% = $524.31/mo. 3 crises or functional limitation: 60% = $1,131.68/mo. 4+ crises with severe limitation: 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