Sickle Cell Disease

DC 7714Hematologic/Lymphatic38 CFR 4.117, DC 7714

An inherited blood disorder where red blood cells become sickle-shaped and can block blood flow, causing severe pain episodes (crises), anemia, organ damage, and infections. The VA rates sickle cell disease based on how often you have painful crises and the severity of your anemia.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7714

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.117, DC 7714. 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 repeated, severely painful crises that are prolonged or you have chronic anemia with hemoglobin consistently 5gm/100ml or less, with findings such as congestive heart failure or dyspnea at rest.

What the VA looks for

Painful crises lasting a month or longer, two or more per year
Hemoglobin consistently 5gm/100ml or less
High output congestive heart failure
Dyspnea at rest
Frequent blood transfusions
Chronic organ damage (kidneys, lungs, spleen)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every painful crisis — keep a pain diary and get medical records for each emergency visit. The number and duration of crises directly determines your rating.
⚠Failing to report chronic organ damage from sickle cell disease — kidney damage, avascular necrosis of the hips, pulmonary hypertension, and retinopathy can each be rated separately.
⚠Not noting that sickle cell disease was aggravated by military service conditions — physical stress, dehydration, altitude, and extreme temperatures can worsen sickle cell disease.
⚠Not filing for all secondary conditions separately — avascular necrosis, chronic kidney disease, pulmonary hypertension, leg ulcers, and stroke are all common complications that qualify for their own ratings.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hematologic and Lymphatic Conditions

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Sickle Cell Disease

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7714

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Painful crises lasting a month or longer, two or more per year
Hemoglobin consistently 5gm/100ml or less
High output congestive heart failure
Dyspnea at rest
Frequent blood transfusions
Chronic organ damage (kidneys, lungs, spleen)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every painful crisis — keep a pain diary and get medical records for each emergency visit. The number and duration of crises directly determines your rating.

⚠Failing to report chronic organ damage from sickle cell disease — kidney damage, avascular necrosis of the hips, pulmonary hypertension, and retinopathy can each be rated separately.

⚠Not noting that sickle cell disease was aggravated by military service conditions — physical stress, dehydration, altitude, and extreme temperatures can worsen sickle cell disease.

⚠Not filing for all secondary conditions separately — avascular necrosis, chronic kidney disease, pulmonary hypertension, leg ulcers, and stroke are all common complications that qualify for their own ratings.