Iron Overload / Hemochromatosis

DC 7700Hematologic/Lymphatic38 CFR 4.117, DC 7700

A condition where your body absorbs too much iron from food, causing iron to build up in your organs. Over time, this can damage your liver, heart, and joints. The VA rates hemochromatosis based on how often you need phlebotomy (blood removal) treatments and whether organ damage has occurred.

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 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

You have severe organ failure from iron overload, such as end-stage liver disease, heart failure, or multiple organ involvement that prevents you from working.

What the VA looks for

End-stage liver disease or liver transplant evaluation
Congestive heart failure from iron-overload cardiomyopathy
Multi-organ involvement (liver, heart, pancreas, joints)
Unable to maintain gainful employment
Frequent hospitalizations for complications

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all phlebotomy treatments with dates and lab results — the frequency of blood removal treatments directly affects your rating percentage.
⚠Failing to file separate secondary claims for organ damage caused by iron overload, such as liver disease, diabetes, heart problems, and joint arthritis — each may be rated independently.
⚠Not connecting hereditary hemochromatosis to military service — while genetic, the condition is often first diagnosed or aggravated during service due to physical demands and iron-rich military diets.
⚠Not providing imaging studies (liver MRI, cardiac MRI) that show iron deposition in organs — these are powerful objective evidence of disease severity.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hematologic and Lymphatic Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Iron Overload / Hemochromatosis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7700

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe organ failure from iron overload, such as end-stage liver disease, heart failure, or multiple organ involvement that prevents you from working.

What the VA looks for

End-stage liver disease or liver transplant evaluation
Congestive heart failure from iron-overload cardiomyopathy
Multi-organ involvement (liver, heart, pancreas, joints)
Unable to maintain gainful employment
Frequent hospitalizations for complications

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all phlebotomy treatments with dates and lab results — the frequency of blood removal treatments directly affects your rating percentage.

⚠Failing to file separate secondary claims for organ damage caused by iron overload, such as liver disease, diabetes, heart problems, and joint arthritis — each may be rated independently.

⚠Not connecting hereditary hemochromatosis to military service — while genetic, the condition is often first diagnosed or aggravated during service due to physical demands and iron-rich military diets.

⚠Not providing imaging studies (liver MRI, cardiac MRI) that show iron deposition in organs — these are powerful objective evidence of disease severity.