Hemic and Lymphatic Systems§ 4.117Updated
Rating criteria

VA Diagnostic Code 7714Sickle cell anemia:

Rated from 10% to 100% under § 4.117. Here is what the VA requires at each level.

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What each rating requires

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  1. 100%

    With at least 4 or more painful episodes per 12-month period, occurring in skin, joints, bones, or any major organs, caused by hemolysis and sickling of red blood cells, with anemia, thrombosis, and infarction, with residual symptoms precluding even light manual labor

  2. 60%

    With 3 painful episodes per 12-month period or with symptoms precluding other than light manual labor

  3. 30%

    With 1 or 2 painful episodes per 12-month period

  4. 10%

    Asymptomatic, established case in remission, but with identifiable organ impairment

From the schedule

Notes on this code

These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.

  • Note: Sickle cell trait alone, without a history of directly attributable pathological findings, is not a ratable disability. Cases of symptomatic sickle cell trait will be forwarded to the Director, Compensation Service, for consideration under § 3.321(b)(1) of this chapter

Sickle Cell Anemia (VA Diagnostic Code 7714)

Body System: Hemic and Lymphatic Systems Regulation: 38 CFR § 4.117, Diagnostic Code 7714

Understanding Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a condition of the blood in which red blood cells sickle and break down (hemolysis). This can lead to painful episodes affecting the skin, joints, bones, or major organs, and may be associated with anemia, thrombosis (blood clots), and infarction (tissue damage from blocked blood flow).

The VA rates sickle cell anemia based on how frequently painful episodes occur over a 12-month period, the effect on a person's ability to work, and whether there is identifiable organ impairment.

Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns one of the following disability ratings for sickle cell anemia:

RatingWhat It Reflects
100%At least 4 or more painful episodes per 12-month period — occurring in the skin, joints, bones, or any major organs, caused by hemolysis and sickling of red blood cells — with anemia, thrombosis, and infarction, and with residual symptoms precluding even light manual labor.
60%3 painful episodes per 12-month period, or symptoms precluding other than light manual labor.
30%1 or 2 painful episodes per 12-month period.
10%Asymptomatic, established case in remission, but with identifiable organ impairment.

What the VA Looks For

When rating sickle cell anemia, the VA reviews:

  • The number of painful episodes documented over a 12-month period.
  • Where the episodes occur — such as the skin, joints, bones, or major organs.
  • Associated findings including hemolysis and sickling of red blood cells, anemia, thrombosis, and infarction.
  • The impact on your ability to work, including whether symptoms preclude light manual labor or other than light manual labor.
  • Identifiable organ impairment, even in an established case that is in remission and otherwise asymptomatic.

Important Note

Sickle cell trait alone, without a history of directly attributable pathological findings, is not a ratable disability. Cases of symptomatic sickle cell trait will be forwarded to the Director, Compensation Service, for consideration under § 3.321(b)(1) of this chapter.

These criteria are a rendering of § 4.117, diagnostic code 7714. The official version is the one that governs your rating.

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What next

How to claim this

Knowing the criteria is the first half. Getting your file to show them is the second.

  1. Find your level in the stack

    Read each rung against what your medical records already say. The level your records document today is the one the VA can support today.

  2. Name the gap

    Look at the rung above yours and write down exactly what it asks for that your file does not show yet — a diagnosis, a measurement, a prescribed brace, a doctor’s opinion linking it to service.

  3. Claim it by code

    File under diagnostic code 7714 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Hemic and Lymphatic Systems codes may cover your secondary conditions.

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