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Evidence checklist

Anemia, Hypochromic-Microcytic (Iron Deficiency)

DC 772038 CFR § 4.117Hematologic/Lymphatic

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 2 collected
Nexus opinion linking anemia to serviceCritical

A medical opinion connecting your iron deficiency anemia to GI bleeding from NSAIDs used for service-connected pain, dietary issues during deployment, or other service-related causes.

Private provider · independent opinion
Cardiac evaluation if heart symptoms present (tachycardia, cardiomegaly)

If your heart rate is fast (100+ beats per minute) or your heart is enlarged, get cardiac imaging. DC 7720 tops out at 30% and does not rate cardiac findings, so this evidence supports a separate secondary claim for the heart condition rather than a higher anemia rating.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 3 collected
Serial CBC and iron studies over 12 monthsCritical

Blood tests showing hemoglobin levels and iron levels over time. A single test may not capture how bad your anemia gets. Request copies of all CBCs from the past year.

VA or private records · written request
Dated records of every intravenous iron infusionCritical

DC 7720 sets the rating on how many IV iron infusions you need in a 12-month period: none or diet alone (0%), one to three infusions or continuous oral iron (10%), four or more (30%). Infusion center records showing the date of each treatment are what decide the level — hemoglobin numbers no longer set it.

VA or private records · written request
Documentation of symptoms (fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath)Critical

Records from your doctor describing how anemia affects you: tiredness, weakness, headaches, dizziness, and trouble breathing during activity.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Hematologic and Lymphatic ConditionsCritical

A standardized VA form capturing hemoglobin levels, symptoms, treatment, and functional impact of your anemia.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.