Aplastic Anemia — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 7716)
Diagnostic Code 7716 · 38 CFR §4.117
What Is It?
Aplastic anemia is a condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells — red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are all reduced. This leads to fatigue and weakness (from anemia), frequent infections (from low white cells), and easy bleeding and bruising (from low platelets). The condition can be life-threatening. For veterans, aplastic anemia can result from toxic chemical exposure during service (benzene, pesticides, herbicides), radiation exposure, or certain medications prescribed during service. It may also be triggered by viral infections acquired during deployment. Treatment ranges from blood transfusions and growth factors to bone marrow transplant in severe cases.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Severe aplastic anemia requiring frequent transfusions, bone marrow transplant, or continuous intensive treatment, with life-threatening complications. |
| 60% | Aplastic anemia requiring regular transfusions and/or continuous immunosuppressive therapy, with persistent symptoms despite treatment. |
| 30% | Aplastic anemia requiring intermittent treatment such as occasional transfusions or growth factor therapy, with moderate symptoms. |
Evidence Needed
Complete blood counts showing pancytopenia (low counts across all cell lines) are essential. Bone marrow biopsy confirming the aplastic anemia diagnosis is critical. Hematology treatment records documenting transfusions, medications, and any transplant procedures are needed. Service records or exposure documentation linking the condition to toxic exposure, radiation, or medications during service establish nexus. A hematology nexus opinion is strongly recommended.
C&P Exam Tips
Describe your current blood counts and how frequently they are monitored. Explain the treatments you require: transfusions, growth factor injections, immunosuppressive drugs, or transplant history. Describe your symptom burden: fatigue, infection frequency, bleeding episodes. Explain how the condition and treatment requirements limit your daily functioning and employment.
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ with DC 7716. Submit bone marrow biopsy results, hematology records, and treatment documentation. Include evidence of the service-connected cause (exposure records, medication records). A hematology nexus letter is strongly recommended.
Common Mistakes
Not obtaining the bone marrow biopsy to confirm the diagnosis weakens the claim. Not documenting the specific service-related exposure that caused the condition makes establishing nexus difficult. Not filing for secondary conditions (recurrent infections, fatigue-related limitations) misses additional compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can aplastic anemia be caused by toxic exposure?
Yes. Benzene, certain pesticides, herbicides, and radiation exposure are known causes of aplastic anemia. If you were exposed to these substances during military service, the condition can be service-connected with appropriate documentation and nexus opinion.