Anemia is a condition where there are not enough red blood cells. The red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body. The majority of anemia cases are either hereditary (not ratable) or caused by another condition, like hypothyroidism. If the anemia is caused by another condition, then only that other condition can be rated. The anemia is considered a symptom of that condition, and thus is covered under a rating for that condition. All other types of Chronic anemia can be rated under one of the following codes:
- DC 7720: Iron deficiency anemia is a type of anemia caused by low levels of iron in the blood. If the low levels of iron are caused by blood loss, then it is not rated under this code, but under the condition causing the blood loss.
- DC 7721: Folic acid deficiency anemia is caused by low levels of folic acid in the blood.
- DC 7722: Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia (including pernicious anemia) is any type of anemia caused by low levels of vitamin B12 in the blood. This type of anemia is difficult to detect early because the liver stores a lengthy supply of B12, so symptoms do not usually develop until after this supply is depleted.
- DC 7723: Acquired hemolytic anemia is caused by the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells. “Acquired” means that the anemia is the direct result of a factor like medications, injury, toxic chemicals, etc.
- DC 7714: Sickle cell anemia is a kind of anemia where the red blood cells that carry the oxygen become shaped like a sickle (or a boomerang). Because of this, they are not able to carry as much oxygen to the body, and they sometimes get stuck in small blood vessels, blocking the blood flow to the tissues. A diagnosis of this condition alone is not enough to get a rating. There must be proof of significant symptoms that limit your ability to function in some way. This condition is genetic, and so it technically did exist prior to service (EPTS) and may not be ratable in some cases.
- DC 7716: Aplastic anemia is a condition where the bone marrow does not make enough new blood cells. If the condition requires a bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplant, then it is rated 100%. This 100% rating will continue for 6 months following discharge from the hospital. After this time, the condition will be reevaluated and re-rated.