Understanding Blood & Lymphatic Conditions for Veterans 

Many veterans develop serious blood and lymphatic disorders due to exposure to radiation, chemicals, toxic agents (Agent Orange, burn pits), chronic infection, or service-related trauma. Conditions like anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, clotting disorders, and lymphedema can drastically alter your daily function, quality of life, and long-term health. 

Accurate medical documentation is critical when seeking VA disability service-connection. 

Common Conditions & Essential Medical Documentation 

The VA categorizes a wide array of conditions under the hemic and lymphatic system (found in VA Rating Codes: 7700–7719 (38 CFR Part 4, Subpart B).  Each condition demands specific, objective medical documentation: 

Anemia 

• Medical Reports: Clear diagnosis with anemia type (iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, chronic illness anemia). 

• Blood Tests: Detailed CBC (hemoglobin <13.5 g/dL in men, <12 g/dL in women indicates anemia), iron studies, vitamin B12, folate levels documented. 

• Symptom Documentation: Thorough medical notes regarding severity and frequency of fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath upon exertion. 

• Treatment Records: Iron supplements dosage, transfusion dates clearly documented. 

• Functional Impact: Note clearly your reduced work capacity, daily activity limitations. 

Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma 

• Pathology Reports: Confirm diagnosis via biopsy clearly stating cancer subtype and stage. 

• Imaging: PET/CT scans documenting disease extent. 

• Oncology Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow transplants documented with precise dates, cycles completed. 

• Residual Symptoms: Detailed medical documentation of fatigue severity, immune suppression, neuropathy evidence. 

• Agent Orange Exposure: Clear documentation of qualifying service or exposure for presumption evidentiary support. 

Hemophilia and Coagulation Disorders 

• Specialized Tests: Factor assays with precise levels documented. 

• Bleeding Episodes: Detailed medical records of bleeding locations, frequency, severity. 

• Joint Damage Documentation: Reports from orthopedists regarding hemarthrosis-induced arthritis or deformities. 

• Treatment & Impact: Factor replacement therapy clearly documented including hospitalizations and impact on daily tasks. 

Chronic Lymphedema 

• Clinical Evaluation: Complete documented circumference measurements, photographic image records. 

• Functional Limitations: Precise medical documentation of range-of-motion limitations, skin changes (ulceration, fibrosis), recurrent infections. 

• Treatments: Compression therapy, lymphatic drainage clearly documented.

Medical Evidence Quick-Checklist: 

• Formal diagnosis clearly stated 

• Specialist consultations: Hematology/Oncology 

• Laboratory & imaging definitions & levels 

• Treatment dates, methods, frequency recorded 

• Precise symptom severity documented 

• Functional impact clearly explained (effects on work/daily activity) 

• Clear documentation of exposure or secondary connections 

Secondary Conditions Stemming from Blood & Lymphatic Disorders: 

Clearly document links between primary diagnosis and: 

• Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, depression specifically linked in medical documentation to fatigue or limitations due to chronic illness or severe diagnosis uncertainty. 

• Peripheral Neuropathy: Clearly documented onset post-cancer treatment. Neurological evaluations defining nerve pathways affected. 

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Clearly documented severity in medical notes, clearly separating from typical tiredness. 

Related Guide: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome VA Rating- Understanding Qualifying Conditions  

• Immune Deficiencies: Blood lab work demonstrating low immune function, noting increased infections clearly documented. 

• Joint Damage: Detailed orthopedic evaluations documenting joint bleeding episodes clearly linked to hemophilia or coagulopathy.

Examples of Weak vs. Strong Documentation 

Leukemia Example 

• Weak: ”Veteran had leukemia treated and now stable.” 

• Strong: ”Veteran diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ICD-10: C91.0) by bone marrow biopsy 6/2022. Chemotherapy dates detailed precisely from 7/2022-1/2023, BMT occurred 3/2023. Residual Grade-2 peripheral neuropathy confirmed via Neurology consult 5/2023, severe chronic fatigue limits work to part-time capacity.” 

Lymphedema Example 

• Weak: ”Patient experiences limb swelling, wearing compression garments.” 

• Strong: ”Veteran currently has severe chronic lymphedema (ICD-10: I89.0), diameter of leg at calf 42 cm, opposite leg 35 cm. Documented fibrosis skin changes present. Daily compression therapy and frequent treatment for cellulitis clearly documented. Limited mobility documented by physical therapist clearly impacting daily activity and occupational tasks.” 

Understanding Essential Diagnostic Tests 

Standard Blood Lab Value Reference Chart 

Accurate medical evidence makes a difference.
Schedule your comprehensive evidence review now. 

Questions to Ask Your Medical Provider  

Enhance your medical documentation with clearly defined questions for healthcare providers at visits:  

1. Could you clearly document diagnosis details and provide lab values clearly stated with reference ranges? 
2. Can you document clearly my blood disorder’s impact on daily functioning? 
3. Please document all my treatments and specific response effectiveness or side effects. 
4. Would you document clearly the residual effects of treatment like neuropathy or chronic fatigue? 

Symptom Tracking Template for Blood and Lymphatic Conditions.  

This regular symptom tracking template creates valuable evidence for accurate medical documentation.  

Date: _______________ 

• Symptoms: Fatigue (0–10): ___ | Bleeding episodes (#) ___ | Bruising Severity ____ | Infections (#): ____ 

• Functional Limits: Work hours missed _____ | Activities disrupted _____ | Rest required _____ 

• Swelling/Lymphedema: Limb measurements _____ | Changes noted _____ 

• Medications: _____ 

Quick Medical Terminology Reference   

Anemia: Low red blood cells
Neutropenia: Low white cell count
Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count
Pancytopenia: Reduction in all blood cells
Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged lymph nodes
Lymphedema: Swelling due to lymph blockage 

Remember & Act Now! 

As veterans, we control our VA claims process. Medical evidence clearly provided by YOU ensures recognition of your service-connected condition. Actively engage your healthcare provider to document your health history in detail. 

Disclaimer: 

This information is purely educational and does not constitute legal advice. We do not prepare VA claims, provide guarantees of specific outcomes, or act as your representative in any VA matters. Individual cases vary, and we recommend consulting qualified medical and legal experts to address your individual needs.