Lymphogranulomatosis (Hodgkin's Disease)

DC 7711Hematologic/Lymphatic38 CFR 4.117, DC 7711

A type of lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system) characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. Hodgkin's disease causes painless swelling of lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. The VA rates this condition at 100% during active disease or treatment. Six months after treatment ends, the VA evaluates any remaining problems (residuals) to determine your ongoing rating.

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 7711

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.117, DC 7711. 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 active Hodgkin's disease or are currently undergoing treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant). The 100% rating continues for six months after your last treatment ends.

What the VA looks for

Pathology report confirming Hodgkin lymphoma with Reed-Sternberg cells
Lymph node biopsy results
Staging workup (PET/CT scan, bone marrow biopsy)
Treatment records (ABVD chemotherapy, radiation, transplant)
Oncology treatment plan and progress notes

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing immediately upon diagnosis — the 100% rating starts from your claim date, not your diagnosis date. File the day you are diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease.
⚠Missing the mandatory VA exam six months after treatment ends — if you do not attend, the VA may reduce your rating without evaluating your residuals.
⚠Not claiming all treatment residuals separately — chemotherapy commonly causes peripheral neuropathy, heart damage (doxorubicin), lung damage (bleomycin), thyroid dysfunction, and infertility. Radiation causes its own set of late effects depending on the treatment field.
⚠Not connecting Hodgkin's disease to Agent Orange exposure, ionizing radiation (atomic veterans), or other service-related carcinogens — these are recognized presumptive conditions for certain exposures.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hematologic and Lymphatic Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Lymphogranulomatosis (Hodgkin's Disease)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7711

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have active Hodgkin's disease or are currently undergoing treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant). The 100% rating continues for six months after your last treatment ends.

What the VA looks for

Pathology report confirming Hodgkin lymphoma with Reed-Sternberg cells
Lymph node biopsy results
Staging workup (PET/CT scan, bone marrow biopsy)
Treatment records (ABVD chemotherapy, radiation, transplant)
Oncology treatment plan and progress notes

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing immediately upon diagnosis — the 100% rating starts from your claim date, not your diagnosis date. File the day you are diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease.

⚠Missing the mandatory VA exam six months after treatment ends — if you do not attend, the VA may reduce your rating without evaluating your residuals.

⚠Not claiming all treatment residuals separately — chemotherapy commonly causes peripheral neuropathy, heart damage (doxorubicin), lung damage (bleomycin), thyroid dysfunction, and infertility. Radiation causes its own set of late effects depending on the treatment field.

⚠Not connecting Hodgkin's disease to Agent Orange exposure, ionizing radiation (atomic veterans), or other service-related carcinogens — these are recognized presumptive conditions for certain exposures.