Hemoglobin C Disease

DC 7708Hematologic/Lymphatic38 CFR 4.117, DC 7708

A genetic blood disorder where an abnormal form of hemoglobin (hemoglobin C) causes red blood cells to become rigid and break down more easily, leading to mild to moderate chronic anemia and an enlarged spleen. While often milder than sickle cell disease, hemoglobin C disease can cause painful crises, gallstones, and spleen complications. The VA rates this condition based on crisis frequency, anemia severity, and transfusion needs.

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 7708

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.117, DC 7708. 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 hemoglobin C disease with constant severe anemia, very frequent crises requiring chronic transfusion therapy, multi-organ damage, or total disability from the combined effects.

What the VA looks for

Chronic transfusion dependency
Near-constant painful crises or chronic pain
Multi-organ damage from chronic hemolysis
Iron overload from chronic transfusions
Total occupational and social impairment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Confusing hemoglobin C disease with hemoglobin C trait — the trait (one copy of the gene) is usually asymptomatic, while the disease (two copies or compound heterozygous SC disease) causes clinical problems.
⚠Not documenting every painful crisis — keep a log of each episode including date, duration, severity, and whether you sought medical attention or missed work.
⚠Failing to claim gallstones and spleen complications as related conditions — chronic hemolysis from hemoglobin C disease directly causes pigment gallstones and spleen enlargement.
⚠Not getting serial CBC results to show the pattern of chronic anemia — hemoglobin levels fluctuate, and a single normal result may not reflect your usual baseline.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hematologic and Lymphatic Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Hemoglobin C Disease

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 7708

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have hemoglobin C disease with constant severe anemia, very frequent crises requiring chronic transfusion therapy, multi-organ damage, or total disability from the combined effects.

What the VA looks for

Chronic transfusion dependency
Near-constant painful crises or chronic pain
Multi-organ damage from chronic hemolysis
Iron overload from chronic transfusions
Total occupational and social impairment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Confusing hemoglobin C disease with hemoglobin C trait — the trait (one copy of the gene) is usually asymptomatic, while the disease (two copies or compound heterozygous SC disease) causes clinical problems.

⚠Not documenting every painful crisis — keep a log of each episode including date, duration, severity, and whether you sought medical attention or missed work.

⚠Failing to claim gallstones and spleen complications as related conditions — chronic hemolysis from hemoglobin C disease directly causes pigment gallstones and spleen enlargement.

⚠Not getting serial CBC results to show the pattern of chronic anemia — hemoglobin levels fluctuate, and a single normal result may not reflect your usual baseline.