38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.117

Multiple myeloma — VA Diagnostic Code 7712

Hematologic / lymphatic

Diagnostic code

7712

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38 CFR § 4.117 lists Diagnostic Code 7712 as “Multiple myeloma.” Symptomatic multiple myeloma is 100 percent. Asymptomatic, smoldering, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is 0 percent. Note (2) continues the 100 percent for five years after the diagnosis of symptomatic multiple myeloma. Section 3.320b(b)(3) uses the plural “Multiple myelomas” and includes MGUS in that sentence.

Reviewed 2026-10-05. Text checked against the eCFR versioner full-text XML for 2026-10-01 on 2026-10-05. Title 38 was up to date as of 2026-10-01 and last amended on 2026-08-27. The § 4.117 source note prints 60 FR 49227, Sept. 22, 1995, as amended at 77 FR 6467, Feb. 8, 2012; 79 FR 2100, Jan. 13, 2014; 83 FR 54254, Oct. 29, 2018; 83 FR 54881, Nov. 1, 2018; 87 FR 61248, Oct. 11, 2022.

The rating criteria at each level

Multiple myeloma — DC 7712

Rating %: 100

Criteria (verbatim). Symptomatic multiple myeloma

Rating %: 0

Criteria (verbatim). Asymptomatic, smoldering, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)

Rating %	Criteria (verbatim)
100	Symptomatic multiple myeloma
0	Asymptomatic, smoldering, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)

Note (1): Current validated biomarkers of symptomatic multiple myeloma and asymptomatic multiple myeloma, smoldering, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) are acceptable for the diagnosis of multiple myeloma as defined by the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG)

Note (2): The 100 percent evaluation shall continue for five years after the diagnosis of symptomatic multiple myeloma, at which time the appropriate disability evaluation shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. Any reduction in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination shall be subject to the provisions of § 3.105(e) and § 3.344 (a) and (b) of this chapter

DC 7712 prints a 0 percent line, so the zero-percent rule in § 4.31 is not what creates that line. 38 CFR § 4.7 assigns the higher rating when the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating. Otherwise, the lower rating will be assigned. 38 CFR § 4.6 requires each element affecting the evidence to be studied so that decisions will be equitable and just.

Note (1) names ASH and IMWG as the source of the biomarker definition. This page does not restate those organizations’ criteria.

Source: 38 CFR § 4.117, Diagnostic Code 7712, eCFR full-text XML for 2026-10-01.

What the words mean in your records

Symptomatic, and the five-year continuation

The 100 percent line is the words “Symptomatic multiple myeloma.” Note (2) continues that evaluation for five years after the diagnosis of symptomatic multiple myeloma. The five years are counted from that diagnosis, not from the end of a treatment course. At the end of the five years, a mandatory VA examination determines the evaluation. A reduction based on that examination, or a later one, is subject to 38 CFR § 3.105(e) and § 3.344(a) and (b). The note prints a space in “§ 3.344 (a) and (b).”

The 0 percent line, including MGUS

The 0 percent line is one cell: “Asymptomatic, smoldering, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).” MGUS is not a separate diagnostic code in this table. Note (1) says current validated biomarkers of those conditions are acceptable for the diagnosis of multiple myeloma as defined by ASH and IMWG.

Multiple myeloma and multiple myelomas

The schedule title is singular: “Multiple myeloma.” 38 CFR § 3.320b(b)(3) says “Multiple myelomas, including monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).” 38 CFR § 3.309(e), § 3.309(f)(5), and § 3.309(d)(2)(ix) each say “Multiple myeloma.” This page does not treat the singular and the plural as one sentence.

When two evaluations are close

38 CFR § 4.7 assigns the higher rating when the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating. Otherwise, the lower rating will be assigned. 38 CFR § 4.6 requires each element affecting the evidence to be studied so that decisions will be equitable and just.

Evidence that speaks to each level

100 — symptomatic

What the rater needs to see. A diagnosis the schedule titles “Multiple myeloma,” and that it is symptomatic. Note (2) uses the date of that symptomatic diagnosis for the five-year examination.

Where that usually lives. The diagnosis and the date it was recorded as symptomatic.

0 — asymptomatic, smoldering, or MGUS

What the rater needs to see. The 0 percent cell names those three phrases. Note (1) is the biomarker sentence. This page does not define ASH or IMWG criteria.

Where that usually lives. The laboratory or hematology record that uses one of those phrases.

After five years

What the rater needs to see. The mandatory VA examination, and whether a later evaluation would be a reduction. Note (2) names § 3.105(e) and § 3.344(a) and (b) for that reduction.

Where that usually lives. The examination and the proposed-reduction correspondence, if one is issued.

Level	What the rater needs to see	Where that usually lives
100 — symptomatic	A diagnosis the schedule titles “Multiple myeloma,” and that it is symptomatic. Note (2) uses the date of that symptomatic diagnosis for the five-year examination.	The diagnosis and the date it was recorded as symptomatic.
0 — asymptomatic, smoldering, or MGUS	The 0 percent cell names those three phrases. Note (1) is the biomarker sentence. This page does not define ASH or IMWG criteria.	The laboratory or hematology record that uses one of those phrases.
After five years	The mandatory VA examination, and whether a later evaluation would be a reduction. Note (2) names § 3.105(e) and § 3.344(a) and (b) for that reduction.	The examination and the proposed-reduction correspondence, if one is issued.

VA’s public DBQ list, checked October 5, 2026, names “Hematologic and Lymphatic Conditions, Including Leukemia” under Hematologic and Lymphatic. The file is Hematologic and Lymphatic Conditions, Including Leukemia.

The exam form

The public form is a place a clinician can record the hematologic diagnosis. DC 7712’s lines are the symptomatic 100 percent, the 0 percent cell, and Notes (1) and (2). This page does not say the form replaces that text.

Related codes and how they interact

Codes the schedule keeps separate from DC 7712

DC 7717 is “AL amyloidosis (primary amyloidosis),” one line at 100 percent, with no 0 percent line and no five-year note. Section 3.309(e) lists “AL amyloidosis” as its own herbicide entry, separate from “Multiple myeloma.”

DC 7703 is leukemia except chronic myelogenous leukemia. DC 7725 is myelodysplastic syndromes. DC 7718 is essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis. Section 3.320b lists acute leukemias, chronic leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myelofibrosis in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(4), and (b)(5). Those paragraphs are not DC 7712.

38 CFR § 4.14 says the evaluation of the same disability under various diagnoses is to be avoided.

Secondary conditions and presumptions

38 CFR § 3.309(e) lists “Multiple myeloma” for a veteran exposed to an herbicide agent, if § 3.307(a)(6) is met and the rebuttable presumption provisions of § 3.307(d) are satisfied. Paragraph (a)(6)(ii) says the diseases listed at § 3.309(e) shall have become manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more at any time after service, except chloracne or other acneform disease consistent with chloracne, porphyria cutanea tarda, and early-onset peripheral neuropathy. Multiple myeloma is not one of those three exceptions.

38 U.S.C. § 1116(a)(2)(G), read on the Legal Information Institute page on 2026-10-05, names “Multiple myeloma becoming manifest to a degree of disability of 10 percent or more.” Paragraph (2)(L) of that subsection names “Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.” The 2026-10-01 text of § 3.309(e) lists “Multiple myeloma” and does not contain the words “monoclonal gammopathy” or “MGUS.”

38 CFR § 3.309(f)(5) lists “Multiple myeloma” for Camp Lejeune water exposure when § 3.307(a)(7) is met, subject to § 3.307(d). Paragraph (a)(7)(ii) says the diseases listed in § 3.309(f) shall have become manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more at any time after service. Paragraph (a)(7)(iii) requires no less than 30 days (consecutive or nonconsecutive) of service at Camp Lejeune from August 1, 1953, through December 31, 1987. For that section, service at Camp Lejeune means any service within the borders of the entirety of the United States Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina.

38 CFR § 3.309(d)(2)(ix) lists “Multiple myeloma” for a radiation-exposed veteran as paragraph (d)(3) defines that term, if § 3.307 is also satisfied. This page does not restate the definition of a radiation-risk activity.

38 CFR § 3.320b is titled “Presumptive service connection for leukemias, multiple myelomas, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myelofibrosis.” Paragraph (b)(3) is “Multiple myelomas, including monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).” Paragraph (a) uses the covered-veteran definition in § 3.320a(c). This page does not restate that definition. Paragraph (c) is the exception paragraph: affirmative evidence that the disease was not incurred or aggravated during active military, naval, air, or space service; a supervening condition or event; or willful misconduct. The source note is 90 FR 1901, Jan. 10, 2025. The authority line prints 38 U.S.C. 501, 1119, 1171, 1172, 1173, and 1174.

38 U.S.C. § 1120(b)(2), read the same day, lists types of cancer and does not use the words “multiple myeloma.” Paragraph (b)(15) is a catch-all for a disease the Secretary determines by regulation. 38 CFR § 3.320 does not name multiple myeloma. 38 CFR § 3.316 does not name it. Section 3.309(a) does not name multiple myeloma.

A separate question, when a presumption does not decide it, is a medical question on the facts under 38 CFR § 3.310. Paragraph (a) covers disability proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury. Paragraph (b) covers increase in severity and requires a medical baseline.

Short answers

What is the VA rating for DC 7712?

Under 38 CFR § 4.117, symptomatic multiple myeloma is 100 percent, and asymptomatic, smoldering, or MGUS is 0 percent. Note (2) keeps the 100 percent for five years after the symptomatic diagnosis and then requires a VA examination. Education only. VA decides on the evidence.

Is multiple myeloma presumptive for burn-pit exposure?

38 CFR § 3.320b(b)(3), added at 90 FR 1901, Jan. 10, 2025, lists multiple myelomas, including MGUS, for a covered veteran as § 3.320a(c) defines that term. Section 3.320 does not name multiple myeloma. Section 1120(b)(2) does not use those words. Herbicide, Camp Lejeune, and radiation lists name multiple myeloma in § 3.309. Education only.

FAQ

How does VA rate multiple myeloma under DC 7712?

Under 38 CFR § 4.117, symptomatic multiple myeloma is 100 percent. Asymptomatic, smoldering, or MGUS is 0 percent. Note (2) continues the 100 percent for five years after the diagnosis of symptomatic multiple myeloma, then a mandatory VA examination sets the evaluation. A reduction is subject to § 3.105(e) and § 3.344(a) and (b). Education only.

Is MGUS its own diagnostic code?

The 0 percent line of DC 7712 includes “monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).” Section 3.320b(b)(3) includes MGUS in the multiple-myelomas sentence. 38 U.S.C. § 1116(a)(2)(L) names MGUS separately. The 2026-10-01 text of § 3.309(e) does not.

Which presumption lists name multiple myeloma?

Section 3.309(e) names it for herbicide exposure. Section 3.309(f)(5) names it for Camp Lejeune. Section 3.309(d)(2)(ix) names it for radiation-exposed veterans. Section 3.320b(b)(3) names “Multiple myelomas, including MGUS.” Section 1120(b)(2) does not use the words “multiple myeloma,” and § 3.320 does not name it.

Does the five-year period start when treatment stops?

Note (2) says the 100 percent continues for five years after the diagnosis of symptomatic multiple myeloma. It does not say five years after treatment stops. Hodgkin's lymphoma at DC 7709 uses a different note, six months after discontinuance of treatment.

Next steps

Read the decision for DC 7712, whether the record says symptomatic or names the 0 percent cell, and the date of the symptomatic diagnosis if Note (2) is in play.
The free worksheet is a place to write the code, the findings, and the records you already have. It does not file a claim or protect a filing date. C&P prep (Founding Pass) is a separate worksheet. An accredited representative is at find a VSO.
Other hemic and lymphatic codes are on the hematologic and lymphatic diagnostic-code index.

Education only. Not legal or medical advice. My Claim Packet is not a VA-accredited representative and does not file claims. VA decides every claim on its own evidence.

Other codes in this body system

Nearby catalog entries in Hematologic / lymphatic, ordered by diagnostic code number. All Hematologic / lymphatic codes

Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.

Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 7712 • va.gov

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This page provides general educational information based on public VA regulations and VA.gov resources. It is not legal or medical advice, and My Claim Packet is not a VA-accredited representative. Any worksheets or draft documents produced by the tools must be reviewed for accuracy and are not filed with VA for you. Ratings and service connection are decided case-by-case from the individual record. Consult a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, attorney, or qualified clinician for help with your situation, and verify current rules using the linked official source.