Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

DC 7700Hematologic/Lymphatic38 CFR 4.117, DC 7700

A condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys your own red blood cells faster than your bone marrow can replace them. This causes fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, and an enlarged spleen. The VA rates autoimmune hemolytic anemia based on hemoglobin levels and the treatment required to control the hemolysis.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7700

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.117, DC 7700. 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

Your hemoglobin is consistently 5gm/100ml or less, you are transfusion-dependent, or you have refractory hemolysis causing congestive heart failure or requiring splenectomy.

What the VA looks for

Hemoglobin 5gm/100ml or less
Transfusion-dependent anemia
High output congestive heart failure
Splenectomy performed for refractory hemolysis
Refractory to multiple lines of immunosuppression

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the specific type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (warm, cold, or mixed) and the corresponding lab values — the type affects treatment options and prognosis.
⚠Failing to track hemolysis markers (LDH, haptoglobin, indirect bilirubin, reticulocyte count) in addition to hemoglobin levels — these markers prove active hemolysis is occurring.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions from chronic steroid or immunosuppressive therapy such as osteoporosis, diabetes, cataracts, and increased infection risk.
⚠Not connecting autoimmune hemolytic anemia to other service-connected autoimmune conditions (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) or to medications taken during service that can trigger hemolysis.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hematologic and Lymphatic Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7700

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your hemoglobin is consistently 5gm/100ml or less, you are transfusion-dependent, or you have refractory hemolysis causing congestive heart failure or requiring splenectomy.

What the VA looks for

Hemoglobin 5gm/100ml or less
Transfusion-dependent anemia
High output congestive heart failure
Splenectomy performed for refractory hemolysis
Refractory to multiple lines of immunosuppression

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the specific type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (warm, cold, or mixed) and the corresponding lab values — the type affects treatment options and prognosis.

⚠Failing to track hemolysis markers (LDH, haptoglobin, indirect bilirubin, reticulocyte count) in addition to hemoglobin levels — these markers prove active hemolysis is occurring.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions from chronic steroid or immunosuppressive therapy such as osteoporosis, diabetes, cataracts, and increased infection risk.

⚠Not connecting autoimmune hemolytic anemia to other service-connected autoimmune conditions (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) or to medications taken during service that can trigger hemolysis.