Hereditary Spherocytosis

DC 7700Hematologic/Lymphatic38 CFR 4.117, DC 7700

An inherited red blood cell disorder where the red blood cells are sphere-shaped instead of disc-shaped, causing them to be destroyed prematurely by the spleen. This leads to chronic anemia, jaundice, an enlarged spleen, and gallstones. The VA rates hereditary spherocytosis based on the severity of anemia and the impact of hemolytic episodes.

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 high output congestive heart failure from chronic severe anemia.

What the VA looks for

Hemoglobin 5gm/100ml or less
Transfusion-dependent anemia
High output congestive heart failure
Multiple aplastic crises
Severe organ damage from chronic anemia

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting hemolytic crises separately from baseline anemia — sudden drops in hemoglobin (aplastic crises triggered by parvovirus B19 infection) are important evidence of disease severity.
⚠Failing to file for secondary conditions including gallstones from chronic hemolysis, iron overload from transfusions, and post-splenectomy complications (increased infection risk).
⚠Not understanding that even though the condition is inherited, it can be service-connected if it was first diagnosed during service, was aggravated by service conditions, or its complications first manifested during service.
⚠Not documenting the impact of chronic anemia on daily activities and work capacity — fatigue, exercise intolerance, and cognitive difficulties from low hemoglobin should be recorded.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hematologic and Lymphatic Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Hereditary Spherocytosis

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 high output congestive heart failure from chronic severe anemia.

What the VA looks for

Hemoglobin 5gm/100ml or less
Transfusion-dependent anemia
High output congestive heart failure
Multiple aplastic crises
Severe organ damage from chronic anemia

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting hemolytic crises separately from baseline anemia — sudden drops in hemoglobin (aplastic crises triggered by parvovirus B19 infection) are important evidence of disease severity.

⚠Failing to file for secondary conditions including gallstones from chronic hemolysis, iron overload from transfusions, and post-splenectomy complications (increased infection risk).

⚠Not understanding that even though the condition is inherited, it can be service-connected if it was first diagnosed during service, was aggravated by service conditions, or its complications first manifested during service.

⚠Not documenting the impact of chronic anemia on daily activities and work capacity — fatigue, exercise intolerance, and cognitive difficulties from low hemoglobin should be recorded.