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7712
§ 4.117 Schedule of ratings—hemic and lymphatic systems.

Multiple myeloma

Cancer of plasma cells (type of blood cancer) causing bone lesions and kidney issues

What the rating means

Multiple myeloma is rated under Diagnostic Code 7712 at either 100% or 0%, depending on whether your condition is symptomatic or not. Symptomatic multiple myeloma receives a 100% rating. Asymptomatic, smoldering, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) receives a 0% rating.

The 100% rating continues for five years after the diagnosis of symptomatic multiple myeloma. After those five years, VA requires a mandatory examination to determine the appropriate rating going forward. Any reduction in your rating after that examination must follow specific VA rules under 38 CFR §§ 3.105(e) and 3.344(a) and (b), which are designed to protect Veterans from hasty reductions.

Diagnosis of multiple myeloma, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, can be supported by current validated biomarkers as recognized by the American Society of Hematology and the International Myeloma Working Group.

Rating levels

  • 100% — Symptomatic multiple myeloma
  • 0% — Asymptomatic, smoldering, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)

VA doesn't add ratings together. It combines them using the table in 38 CFR § 4.25, so two ratings usually total less than their sum.

Evidence that helps

To support a 100% rating for symptomatic multiple myeloma, medical records showing a confirmed diagnosis of symptomatic multiple myeloma are central. Validated biomarkers accepted by the American Society of Hematology and the International Myeloma Working Group can establish this diagnosis, so laboratory results, bone marrow biopsy reports, imaging studies, and blood or urine protein tests that reflect those biomarkers are all relevant.

After the five-year period at 100%, a mandatory VA examination will assess your current status. At that point, records of ongoing treatment, specialist notes, and any test results showing whether your condition remains symptomatic or has changed would be relevant to what rating follows. Statements from you or your treating providers about how your symptoms affect your daily life and ability to work can also help give VA a full picture of your condition at any stage.

VA exam form (DBQ) for this condition:

Presumptive conditions

If your service meets the rules below, VA presumes this condition is connected to it.

  • Radiation — 38 CFR § 3.309(d)
  • Camp Lejeune — 38 CFR § 3.309(f)
  • Chronic disease — 38 CFR § 3.309(a)
  • PACT Act — 38 U.S.C. § 1120; 38 CFR § 3.320b
  • Agent Orange — 38 U.S.C. § 1116; 38 CFR § 3.309(e)

Secondary conditions

Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.