AL Amyloidosis

DC 7717Hematologic/Lymphatic38 CFR 4.117, DC 7717

A serious condition where abnormal proteins (amyloid) produced by bone marrow plasma cells deposit in your organs, gradually damaging the heart, kidneys, liver, and nervous system. AL (immunoglobulin light chain) amyloidosis is related to plasma cell disorders. The VA rates this condition based on which organs are involved, how much damage has occurred, and what treatment is required.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 7717

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.117, DC 7717. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have AL amyloidosis with severe organ involvement such as advanced heart failure, end-stage kidney disease, severe autonomic neuropathy, or multi-organ involvement. You require intensive treatment and cannot work.

What the VA looks for

Advanced cardiac amyloidosis with heart failure symptoms
End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis
Severe autonomic neuropathy (orthostatic hypotension, GI dysmotility)
Stem cell transplant performed or planned
Multi-organ amyloid deposits with progressive dysfunction
Inability to maintain gainful employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a tissue biopsy with Congo red staining and mass spectrometry typing — the VA requires histological confirmation of amyloid deposits, and typing determines whether it is AL versus other forms of amyloidosis.
⚠Not documenting all affected organs — amyloidosis often involves multiple organ systems simultaneously. Request cardiac biomarkers (NT-proBNP, troponin), renal function tests, nerve conduction studies, and liver function tests.
⚠Not connecting AL amyloidosis to Agent Orange or other toxic exposures — the underlying plasma cell disorder can be triggered by environmental carcinogens encountered during military service.
⚠Failing to file for each organ system separately — cardiac amyloidosis, renal amyloidosis, and neuropathy from amyloidosis can each be rated under their respective diagnostic codes in addition to the hematologic code.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hematologic and Lymphatic Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

AL Amyloidosis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7717

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Advanced cardiac amyloidosis with heart failure symptoms
End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis
Severe autonomic neuropathy (orthostatic hypotension, GI dysmotility)
Stem cell transplant performed or planned
Multi-organ amyloid deposits with progressive dysfunction
Inability to maintain gainful employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a tissue biopsy with Congo red staining and mass spectrometry typing — the VA requires histological confirmation of amyloid deposits, and typing determines whether it is AL versus other forms of amyloidosis.

⚠Not documenting all affected organs — amyloidosis often involves multiple organ systems simultaneously. Request cardiac biomarkers (NT-proBNP, troponin), renal function tests, nerve conduction studies, and liver function tests.

⚠Not connecting AL amyloidosis to Agent Orange or other toxic exposures — the underlying plasma cell disorder can be triggered by environmental carcinogens encountered during military service.

⚠Failing to file for each organ system separately — cardiac amyloidosis, renal amyloidosis, and neuropathy from amyloidosis can each be rated under their respective diagnostic codes in addition to the hematologic code.