---
title: "DC 7720 - Iron deficiency anemia:"
diagnostic_code: "7720"
body_system: "Hemic and Lymphatic Systems"
cfr_section: "§ 4.117"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/hemic-and-lymphatic/7720-iron-deficiency-anemia"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.117"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:10:40.771329Z"
---

# DC 7720 - Iron deficiency anemia:

Rated under § 4.117. Body system: Hemic and Lymphatic Systems.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 30% | Requiring intravenous iron infusions 4 or more times per 12-month period |
| 10% | Requiring intravenous iron infusions at least 1 time but less than 4 times per 12-month period, or requiring continuous treatment with oral supplementation |
| 0% | Asymptomatic or requiring treatment only by dietary modification |

## Notes

- Note: Do not evaluate iron deficiency anemia due to blood loss under this diagnostic code. Evaluate iron deficiency anemia due to blood loss under the criteria for the condition causing the blood loss

# Iron Deficiency Anemia (VA Diagnostic Code 7720)

## Understanding Your VA Rating for Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is a condition of the **Hemic and Lymphatic Systems**, rated by the VA under **Diagnostic Code 7720** in **§ 4.117** of the rating schedule.

This entry explains the recognized rating levels for iron deficiency anemia and what the VA reviews when assigning a rating.

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## Available Rating Levels

The VA rates iron deficiency anemia at one of the following levels, based primarily on the type and frequency of treatment required:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **30%** | Requiring intravenous iron infusions **4 or more times** per 12-month period |
| **10%** | Requiring intravenous iron infusions **at least 1 time but less than 4 times** per 12-month period, **or** requiring continuous treatment with oral supplementation |
| **0%** | **Asymptomatic**, or requiring treatment only by **dietary modification** |

A 0% (noncompensable) rating recognizes the diagnosed condition even when it is asymptomatic or managed through diet alone.

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## What the VA Looks For

When rating iron deficiency anemia under this code, the VA focuses on the **level of treatment your condition requires**, such as:

- **Intravenous (IV) iron infusions** — and how many times they are needed over a 12-month period
- **Continuous oral supplementation** as part of ongoing treatment
- **Dietary modification** as the only required treatment
- Whether the condition is currently **asymptomatic**

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## Important Note

**Iron deficiency anemia due to blood loss is not evaluated under this diagnostic code.** If the anemia results from blood loss, the VA evaluates it under the criteria for the condition that is causing the blood loss.

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*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 7720 (§ 4.117). It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.117