Von Willebrand Disease

DC 7707Hematologic/Lymphatic38 CFR 4.117, DC 7707

The most common inherited bleeding disorder, caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, a protein needed for blood clotting. Symptoms include easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, heavy menstrual periods, and excessive bleeding after dental or surgical procedures. The VA rates von Willebrand disease based on the frequency and severity of bleeding episodes and the treatment required.

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 7707

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.117, DC 7707. 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 life-threatening bleeding episodes, are dependent on continuous factor replacement, or have developed inhibitors to treatment making your disease extremely difficult to manage.

What the VA looks for

Life-threatening bleeding episodes
Inhibitor development (antibodies to factor replacement)
ICU admissions for hemorrhage
Organ damage from bleeding (intracranial, retroperitoneal)
Transfusion-dependent anemia

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not keeping a detailed bleeding log documenting every bleeding episode, its duration, treatment needed, and impact on daily activities — the frequency and severity of bleeding directly determines your rating.
⚠Failing to get a complete von Willebrand panel (vWF antigen, vWF activity, factor VIII, multimer analysis) rather than just a basic coagulation screen, which can miss the diagnosis.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions caused by chronic blood loss such as iron deficiency anemia, joint damage from hemarthrosis, or depression and anxiety from living with a chronic bleeding disorder.
⚠Not documenting the need for pre-procedural prophylaxis — if you require DDAVP or factor concentrate before dental work, surgery, or other procedures, this supports the ongoing burden of the disease.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Hematologic and Lymphatic Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Von Willebrand Disease

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 7707

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have life-threatening bleeding episodes, are dependent on continuous factor replacement, or have developed inhibitors to treatment making your disease extremely difficult to manage.

What the VA looks for

Life-threatening bleeding episodes
Inhibitor development (antibodies to factor replacement)
ICU admissions for hemorrhage
Organ damage from bleeding (intracranial, retroperitoneal)
Transfusion-dependent anemia

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not keeping a detailed bleeding log documenting every bleeding episode, its duration, treatment needed, and impact on daily activities — the frequency and severity of bleeding directly determines your rating.

⚠Failing to get a complete von Willebrand panel (vWF antigen, vWF activity, factor VIII, multimer analysis) rather than just a basic coagulation screen, which can miss the diagnosis.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions caused by chronic blood loss such as iron deficiency anemia, joint damage from hemarthrosis, or depression and anxiety from living with a chronic bleeding disorder.

⚠Not documenting the need for pre-procedural prophylaxis — if you require DDAVP or factor concentrate before dental work, surgery, or other procedures, this supports the ongoing burden of the disease.