Myelodysplastic syndromes — VA Diagnostic Code 7725

Stem-cell transplant or chemotherapy, and the six-month examination

The 100 percent line is “Requiring peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant; or requiring chemotherapy.” Note (2) assigns that 100 percent as of the date of hospital admission for the transplant, or during the period of treatment with chemotherapy. It continues with a mandatory VA examination six months following hospital discharge or, for chemotherapy, six months after completion of treatment. A reduction based on that examination, or a later one, follows 38 CFR § 3.105(e). If there has been no recurrence, residuals are rated under the appropriate diagnostic codes.

Transfusions and infections

The 60 percent line is 4 or more blood or platelet transfusions per 12-month period, or infections requiring hospitalization 3 or more times per 12-month period. The 30 percent transfusion clause is at least 1 but no more than 3 per 12-month period. The infection clause on that line is hospitalization at least 1 but no more than 2 times per 12-month period. The third clause is biologic therapy on an ongoing basis, or an erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) for 12 weeks or less per 12-month period.

Progression to leukemia

Note (1) says: “If the condition progresses to leukemia, evaluate as leukemia under diagnostic code 7703.” DC 7703 is a different code. This page does not restate its lines.

Aplastic anemia is DC 7716, not this code

What is the VA rating for DC 7725?

Under 38 CFR § 4.117, myelodysplastic syndromes are rated 100, 60, or 30 percent. The code does not print a 0 percent line. Note (2) times the 100 percent from hospital admission for stem-cell transplant, or during chemotherapy, and requires an examination six months later. Education only. VA decides on the evidence.

Is MDS on the § 1120 cancer list?

The enumerated list in 38 U.S.C. § 1120(b)(2), read on October 5, 2026, does not use “myelodysplastic” or “MDS.” The regulatory listing read for this page is 38 CFR § 3.320b(b)(4).

How does VA rate myelodysplastic syndromes under DC 7725?

A requirement for peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant, or for chemotherapy, is 100 percent. Four or more blood or platelet transfusions in 12 months, or infections requiring hospitalization 3 or more times in 12 months, is 60 percent. The 30 percent line is at least 1 but no more than 3 transfusions, infections requiring hospitalization at least 1 but no more than 2 times, or ongoing biologic therapy or an ESA for 12 weeks or less, in a 12-month period. Education only.

Where does § 3.320b name MDS?

Paragraph (b)(4) says “Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS).” The schedule title is “Myelodysplastic syndromes,” without the abbreviation. The enumerated list in 38 U.S.C. § 1120(b)(2) does not use those words. Section 3.320 does not name them.

Does the Camp Lejeune list use only DC 7725?

Section 3.309(f)(7) says “Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes.” Aplastic anemia is the schedule title at DC 7716. Myelodysplastic syndromes is the schedule title at DC 7725. That Camp Lejeune sentence is not assigned to one code on this page.