Thalassemia

DC 7700Hematologic/Lymphatic38 CFR 4.117, DC 7700

An inherited blood disorder where your body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin, leading to anemia with fatigue, weakness, and sometimes bone deformities or enlarged spleen. The VA rates thalassemia based on hemoglobin levels and how much it affects your body.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

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 with high output congestive heart failure or dyspnea at rest.

What the VA looks for

Hemoglobin 5gm/100ml or less
Transfusion-dependent
High output congestive heart failure
Dyspnea at rest
Severe iron overload with organ damage

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not distinguishing between thalassemia minor (trait) and thalassemia intermedia or major — the more severe forms qualify for higher ratings but require proper hemoglobin electrophoresis testing.
⚠Failing to document transfusion frequency and iron overload complications, which support higher ratings.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — thalassemia can cause splenomegaly, iron overload liver damage, bone pain, and heart problems that may warrant separate ratings.
⚠Not connecting the condition to aggravation during service — if environmental exposures or physical stress during military service worsened your thalassemia, document the before-and-after hemoglobin levels.

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…

Thalassemia

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7700

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your hemoglobin is consistently 5gm/100ml or less with high output congestive heart failure or dyspnea at rest.

What the VA looks for

Hemoglobin 5gm/100ml or less
Transfusion-dependent
High output congestive heart failure
Dyspnea at rest
Severe iron overload with organ damage

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not distinguishing between thalassemia minor (trait) and thalassemia intermedia or major — the more severe forms qualify for higher ratings but require proper hemoglobin electrophoresis testing.

⚠Failing to document transfusion frequency and iron overload complications, which support higher ratings.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — thalassemia can cause splenomegaly, iron overload liver damage, bone pain, and heart problems that may warrant separate ratings.

⚠Not connecting the condition to aggravation during service — if environmental exposures or physical stress during military service worsened your thalassemia, document the before-and-after hemoglobin levels.