Diagnostic Code 7720: Iron Deficiency Anemia Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.117
- Rating range
- 0% to 30%
- Rating levels
- 3
- Body system
- Hemic and lymphatic systems
The VA rates Iron Deficiency Anemia under diagnostic code 7720 in 38 CFR § 4.117. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 7720 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Asymptomatic or requiring treatment only by dietary modification What raters look forasymptomatic; dietary modification only |
| 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 What raters look for1-3 IV infusions/year; continuous oral supplementation |
| 30% | Requiring intravenous iron infusions 4 or more times per 12-month period What raters look for4+ IV infusions/year |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Anemia. The Anemia condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Anemia appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 1,280 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Anemia, 2021 to 2026. The Anemia condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Anemia appeals generally rather than DC 7720 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 7720?
Diagnostic code 7720 is the VA rating schedule entry for Iron Deficiency Anemia, found in 38 CFR § 4.117. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 7720?
DC 7720 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 7720 require?
The 30% rating for Iron Deficiency Anemia requires: Requiring intravenous iron infusions 4 or more times per 12-month period.
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