Mantle Cell Lymphoma

DC 7715Hematologic/Lymphatic38 CFR 4.117, DC 7715

An aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develops in the mantle zone of the lymph node. It is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage and often requires intensive treatment. The VA rates mantle cell lymphoma at 100% during active disease or treatment. Six months after treatment ends, residuals are rated.

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 7715

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.117, DC 7715. 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 mantle cell lymphoma or are undergoing treatment (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant). The 100% rating continues for six months after treatment ends.

What the VA looks for

Pathology confirming mantle cell lymphoma (cyclin D1 positive)
Staging workup (PET/CT, bone marrow biopsy)
Treatment records (R-CHOP, bendamustine-rituximab, ibrutinib)
Oncology treatment plan and progress notes
Stem cell transplant records (if applicable)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing promptly upon diagnosis — the 100% rating begins from the claim date, so every day you delay is a day of benefits lost.
⚠Not documenting all residual effects before the mandatory six-month post-treatment VA exam — chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, immune deficiency, cardiac damage, and chronic fatigue should all be separately claimed.
⚠Failing to file for secondary conditions from treatment — ibrutinib can cause atrial fibrillation and bleeding, stem cell transplant can cause graft-versus-host disease, and all treatments can cause chronic fatigue and immune suppression.
⚠Not understanding that mantle cell lymphoma has a high relapse rate — if your cancer returns after remission, file a claim for increase immediately to restore the 100% rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hematologic and Lymphatic Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Mantle Cell Lymphoma

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7715

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have active mantle cell lymphoma or are undergoing treatment (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant). The 100% rating continues for six months after treatment ends.

What the VA looks for

Pathology confirming mantle cell lymphoma (cyclin D1 positive)
Staging workup (PET/CT, bone marrow biopsy)
Treatment records (R-CHOP, bendamustine-rituximab, ibrutinib)
Oncology treatment plan and progress notes
Stem cell transplant records (if applicable)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing promptly upon diagnosis — the 100% rating begins from the claim date, so every day you delay is a day of benefits lost.

⚠Not documenting all residual effects before the mandatory six-month post-treatment VA exam — chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, immune deficiency, cardiac damage, and chronic fatigue should all be separately claimed.

⚠Failing to file for secondary conditions from treatment — ibrutinib can cause atrial fibrillation and bleeding, stem cell transplant can cause graft-versus-host disease, and all treatments can cause chronic fatigue and immune suppression.

⚠Not understanding that mantle cell lymphoma has a high relapse rate — if your cancer returns after remission, file a claim for increase immediately to restore the 100% rating.