There is no single VA disability rating for "anemia." The VA rates anemia under 38 CFR 4.117, the schedule of ratings for hemic and lymphatic systems, and assigns a diagnostic code based on the specific type of anemia a veteran has. Iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, aplastic anemia, acquired hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia, and anemia tied to myelodysplastic syndromes each have their own diagnostic code and their own rating criteria, with percentages ranging from 0% to 100% depending on how the condition is treated and how often it flares.
This guide covers the current rating criteria for each anemia type, how much each rating pays in 2026, how to establish service connection including presumptive pathways, and how to file a claim.
The VA Does Not Use a Single Anemia Code
Before a 2018 revision to 38 CFR 4.117, the VA rated most anemia under a single code, Diagnostic Code 7700, based purely on hemoglobin levels. That code was removed and replaced with separate diagnostic codes for each major anemia type, along with updated criteria that account for the actual treatment burden of the condition, not just a lab number. As of 2026, that revised schedule is still current. The diagnostic codes veterans are most likely to encounter are:
| Diagnostic Code | Condition |
|---|
| DC 7714 | Sickle cell anemia |
| DC 7716 | Aplastic anemia |
| DC 7720 | Iron deficiency anemia |
| DC 7722 | Pernicious anemia and Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia |
| DC 7723 | Acquired hemolytic anemia |
| DC 7725 | Myelodysplastic syndromes (a condition often presenting with anemia) |
Each code is rated independently. If a veteran has more than one blood disorder, the VA rates each under its own code and combines the ratings using VA math, not simple addition.
DC 7720: Iron Deficiency Anemia Rating Criteria
Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common types veterans file for, and it is rated based on how much treatment is required.
| 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 |
The maximum schedular rating for iron deficiency anemia alone is 30%. Veterans whose iron deficiency anemia stems from an underlying condition, such as chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, should also pursue service connection for that underlying cause, since it may carry its own separate rating.
DC 7722: Pernicious Anemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|
| 100% | For initial diagnosis requiring transfusion due to severe anemia, or with signs or symptoms of central nervous system impairment such as encephalopathy, myelopathy, or severe peripheral neuropathy, requiring parenteral B12 therapy |
| 10% | Requiring continuous treatment with Vitamin B12 injections, sublingual or high-dose oral tablets, or nasal spray or gel |
Most veterans rated under this code land at 10%, since the 100% tier requires either a transfusion at initial diagnosis or documented neurological complications. There is no rating between 10% and 100% under this specific code, so if you have ongoing symptoms beyond simple B12 supplementation, thorough documentation of neurological findings matters for reaching the top tier.
DC 7723: Acquired Hemolytic Anemia Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|
| 100% | Requiring a bone marrow transplant or continuous intravenous or immunosuppressive therapy (for example, prednisone, Cytoxan, azathioprine, or rituximab) |
| 60% | Requiring immunosuppressive medication 4 or more times per 12-month period |
| 30% | Requiring at least 2 but less than 4 courses of immunosuppressive therapy per 12-month period |
| 10% | Requiring one course of immunosuppressive therapy per 12-month period |
| 0% | Asymptomatic |
DC 7716: Aplastic Anemia Rating Criteria
Aplastic anemia is a more severe bone marrow condition where the body stops producing enough blood cells, and its ratings reflect that severity.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|
| 100% | Requiring peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant, or requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells on average at least once every 6 weeks per 12-month period, or infections recurring on average at least once every 6 weeks |
| 60% | Requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells on average at least once every 3 months per 12-month period, or infections recurring on average at least once every 3 months |
| 30% | Requiring transfusion of platelets or red cells on average at least once per 12-month period, or infections recurring on average at least once per 12-month period |
DC 7714: Sickle Cell Anemia Rating Criteria
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition, so establishing service connection typically depends on aggravation during service rather than direct causation. The rating focuses on painful episodes and organ impairment.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|
| 100% | 4 or more painful episodes per 12-month period, occurring in skin, joints, bones, or major organs, with anemia, thrombosis, and infarction, and 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 |
Because sickle cell disease is congenital rather than caused by service, most VA claims for it rest on the argument that military service permanently worsened (aggravated) a preexisting condition beyond its natural progression. Veterans should note this is a different program from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which has its own separate eligibility rules for sickle cell anemia.
DC 7725: Myelodysplastic Syndromes Rating Criteria
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are bone marrow disorders that frequently cause chronic anemia requiring ongoing transfusions.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|
| 100% | Requiring peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant, or requiring chemotherapy |
| 60% | Requiring 4 or more blood or platelet transfusions per 12-month period, or infections requiring hospitalization 3 or more times per 12-month period |
| 30% | Requiring 1 to 3 blood or platelet transfusions per 12-month period, infections requiring hospitalization 1 or 2 times, or requiring biologic therapy or an erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) for 12 weeks or less per 12-month period |
2026 VA Disability Pay by Rating
VA compensation rates increased 2.8% effective December 1, 2025, for the 2026 payment year. Monthly pay for a veteran with no dependents is:
| Rating | Monthly Pay (Veteran Alone) |
|---|
| 0% | $0 (service-connected but no compensation) |
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
A veteran rated at 100% with a spouse and no children or dependent parents receives $4,158.17 per month in 2026. Ratings of 10% and 20% pay a flat amount regardless of dependents. Starting at 30%, the VA adds monthly amounts for a spouse, children, and dependent parents. If a veteran has other service-connected conditions in addition to anemia, the final monthly payment is based on the combined disability rating, calculated using VA math rather than simple addition of percentages.
How to Establish Service Connection for Anemia
Direct service connection applies when the anemia began during or was caused by active duty service, such as blood loss from a combat injury or a diagnosed condition documented in service treatment records.
Presumptive service connection applies automatically to certain veterans without requiring proof of a direct causal link:
- Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and were exposed to contaminated water, receive a presumption of service connection for aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes, along with several related cancers.
- Under the PACT Act, veterans with qualifying toxic exposure, including burn pit exposure, who develop myelodysplastic syndromes, leukemia, multiple myeloma, or myelofibrosis may also qualify for presumptive service connection, since these conditions were added to the presumptive list effective January 10, 2025.
Secondary service connection applies when anemia developed as a result of another service-connected condition. Common examples include:
- Chronic kidney disease, which frequently causes anemia due to reduced erythropoietin production
- Gastrointestinal conditions that cause chronic blood loss, including ulcers, IBS-related bleeding, or hemorrhoids
- Chemotherapy or radiation treatment for a service-connected cancer
- Medications prescribed for other service-connected conditions that suppress bone marrow function or interfere with nutrient absorption
If you already have a service-connected condition that could plausibly cause anemia, a secondary claim is often the most straightforward path, since you do not need to prove the anemia itself is connected to your time in uniform, only that it was caused or worsened by a condition already on your record.
Evidence Needed for an Anemia Claim
Current diagnosis and lab records showing the specific type of anemia, including complete blood count (CBC) results, iron studies, or bone marrow biopsy findings where applicable.
Treatment records documenting transfusion frequency, infusion schedules, medication regimens, or hospitalizations, since most anemia ratings are tied directly to treatment burden rather than symptoms alone.
Nexus letter from a treating physician connecting the anemia to service, whether through direct causation, aggravation of a preexisting condition, or a secondary relationship to another service-connected condition.
Service records documenting exposure history, such as time stationed at Camp Lejeune or deployment to a location with documented burn pit use, when pursuing a presumptive claim.
Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for hematologic conditions, which your provider can complete to map your treatment history directly onto the VA's rating criteria.
How to File a VA Anemia Disability Claim
Step 1: Identify the specific type of anemia. Your rating and evidence requirements depend entirely on which diagnostic code applies, so confirm the exact diagnosis with your treating physician before filing.
Step 2: Gather medical and treatment records. Collect lab results, transfusion or infusion logs, and any hospitalization records covering the prior 12 months.
Step 3: File online at VA.gov. Sign in with your DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or ID.me account, navigate to file a disability claim, and complete VA Form 21-526EZ. Upload all supporting evidence through the portal.
Step 4: Attend the Compensation and Pension exam. The VA will schedule a C&P exam to evaluate current severity. Bring documentation of transfusion frequency, infusion schedules, or hospitalization dates so the examiner has an accurate record to rate against.
Step 5: Review your rating decision. If you disagree with the outcome, you can file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence, request a Higher-Level Review, or appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for anemia?
There is no single code. The VA rates anemia under 38 CFR 4.117 using separate diagnostic codes based on type: DC 7714 for sickle cell anemia, DC 7716 for aplastic anemia, DC 7720 for iron deficiency anemia, DC 7722 for pernicious anemia and Vitamin B12 deficiency, and DC 7723 for acquired hemolytic anemia. Myelodysplastic syndromes, which often cause anemia, are rated under DC 7725.
What is the maximum VA rating for anemia?
The maximum rating depends on the type. Iron deficiency anemia (DC 7720) tops out at 30%. Acquired hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, pernicious anemia, sickle cell anemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes can all reach 100% if the condition requires intensive treatment such as transplant, chemotherapy, or continuous immunosuppressive therapy.
Can iron deficiency anemia be service-connected as secondary to another condition?
Yes. Iron deficiency anemia is frequently secondary to chronic gastrointestinal blood loss, heavy menstrual bleeding, or other service-connected conditions that cause ongoing blood loss or poor nutrient absorption. A secondary service connection claim requires medical evidence linking the anemia to the primary condition.
Does Camp Lejeune water contamination qualify for presumptive service connection for anemia?
Yes, for aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes specifically. Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, receive a presumption of service connection for these conditions without needing to prove direct causation.
Is sickle cell anemia usually service-connected?
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition present from birth, so most claims are based on aggravation, meaning military service permanently worsened the condition beyond its natural progression, rather than direct causation. Veterans need medical evidence showing the condition became measurably worse during or because of their service.
How is the VA rating for anemia different from Social Security disability for anemia?
VA disability compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are separate federal programs with different eligibility rules, different definitions of disability, and different rating systems. A veteran can receive VA compensation for a blood disorder and separately apply for SSDI if the condition also prevents substantial gainful employment. Receiving one does not disqualify you from the other.
Can I get a higher anemia rating if my treatment needs increase?
Yes. You can file a claim for an increased rating at any time your treatment burden or symptom frequency has worsened. Since most anemia ratings are tied to how often you require transfusions, infusions, or immunosuppressive therapy, updated treatment records showing an increase in frequency can support a higher tier.
