Spleen Rupture Without Splenectomy — VA Rating (DC 7707)
Diagnostic Code 7707 · 38 CFR §4.117
What Is It?
Rupture of the spleen without splenectomy occurs when the spleen is damaged but not completely removed. Modern trauma medicine sometimes allows for splenic salvage through non-operative management or partial splenectomy, preserving some splenic function. Veterans may experience splenic rupture from combat injuries, training accidents, or vehicle crashes during service. While preserving the spleen is preferable to removal, the injured spleen may not function as effectively, and there may be residual pain, increased infection risk, or need for activity restrictions to prevent re-injury. 38 CFR 4.117 lists the code as DC 7707, "Spleen, injury of, healed," and gives it no percentages of its own: it directs VA to rate for any residuals.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| See pathways | DC 7707 carries no percentage column. The schedule lists it as "Spleen, injury of, healed" and directs: "Rate for any residuals." The evaluation comes from the diagnostic code that fits each residual. If the spleen is later removed, DC 7706 (Splenectomy) assigns 20 percent, and its Note directs that complications such as systemic infections with encapsulated bacteria be rated separately. |
Evidence Needed
Hospital records documenting the splenic injury and treatment decision (non-operative management or partial splenectomy) are needed. Imaging showing the status of the spleen post-injury is important. Service treatment records establishing the in-service cause of the rupture are essential. Follow-up records documenting any functional compromise or activity restrictions are helpful.
C&P Exam Tips
Describe the original injury and treatment. Explain any ongoing symptoms: pain in the left upper abdomen, activity restrictions to prevent re-injury, and any increased frequency of infections. If imaging has shown a healed but altered spleen, reference those results.
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ with DC 7707. Submit hospital records from the splenic injury, imaging studies, and service treatment records. Name each residual you have, because the evaluation comes from the code that fits each one rather than from DC 7707 itself. If the condition later requires splenectomy, update the claim to DC 7706.
Common Mistakes
Not filing because the spleen was not removed is a mistake — DC 7707 directs VA to rate a healed spleen injury for any residuals, so the residuals themselves carry the claim. Not monitoring for long-term complications and documenting them creates gaps in the record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this page show no percentages?
Because the schedule prints none for DC 7707. The entry reads "Spleen, injury of, healed" followed by "Rate for any residuals," so a healed injury is evaluated through whatever residuals it leaves, each under the code that fits it.
What if I later need my spleen removed?
If a previously injured spleen later requires removal, you can file for a rating under DC 7706, which assigns 20% for splenectomy, with complications such as systemic infections with encapsulated bacteria rated separately under its Note. The existing service connection for the splenic injury makes this straightforward.