Agranulocytosis — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 7702)
Diagnostic Code 7702 · 38 CFR §4.117
What Is It?
Agranulocytosis is a dangerous reduction in granulocytes (a type of white blood cell essential for fighting bacterial infections). When granulocyte counts drop critically low, the body loses its ability to fight infections, making even minor infections potentially life-threatening. For veterans, this condition can result from toxic chemical exposure during service (including Agent Orange and other herbicides), radiation exposure, medication side effects from drugs prescribed during service, or bone marrow damage from service-connected conditions. The VA rates the condition based on the frequency and severity of infections and the need for ongoing treatment.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Agranulocytosis with persistent critical granulocyte levels causing recurrent life-threatening infections, requiring continuous intensive treatment. |
| 60% | Agranulocytosis with frequent severe infections requiring hospitalization despite ongoing treatment. |
| 30% | Agranulocytosis requiring intermittent treatment with growth factors or antibiotics and resulting in occasional infections. |
| 10% | Agranulocytosis requiring continuous medication to maintain adequate granulocyte levels. |
| 0% | History of agranulocytosis that has resolved with no current need for treatment and stable blood counts. |
Evidence Needed
Complete blood count (CBC) results showing the low granulocyte levels are essential. Hematology records documenting the diagnosis and ongoing monitoring are needed. Records of infections resulting from the low white blood cell counts demonstrate severity. Service treatment records or exposure documentation linking the condition to service help establish nexus. Medication records showing treatments (growth factor injections, prophylactic antibiotics) support the severity. A hematology nexus opinion is recommended.
C&P Exam Tips
Describe how frequently you develop infections, how severe they are, and whether they require hospitalization. Explain any ongoing treatment such as growth factor injections or prophylactic antibiotics. Describe limitations on your daily activities due to infection risk — do you avoid crowds, public places, or certain activities? The examiner will review your lab work and infection history.
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ with DC 7702. Submit hematology records, CBC results over time, infection treatment records, and documentation of the service-connected cause. A nexus letter from a hematologist is recommended.
Common Mistakes
Not maintaining regular lab monitoring creates gaps in the medical record. Not documenting every infection and its treatment makes it harder to demonstrate the condition severity. Not connecting the condition to a specific service-related cause (toxic exposure, medication, radiation) weakens nexus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can agranulocytosis be caused by military toxic exposure?
Yes. Exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, and herbicides during service can damage bone marrow and lead to agranulocytosis. Documentation of the exposure and a hematology nexus opinion connecting the condition to the exposure is needed.