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7722
§ 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 7722, which covers pernicious anemia and Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Two ratings are possible under this code: 100% and 10%.

A 100% rating applies at the time of initial diagnosis when your condition requires a transfusion due to severe anemia, or when you have signs or symptoms of central nervous system impairment — such as encephalopathy, myelopathy, or severe peripheral neuropathy — that require parenteral B12 therapy. This 100% rating is assigned from the date of that initial diagnosis. Six months after hospital discharge or after parenteral B12 therapy ends, VA will schedule a mandatory examination. Any reduction after that exam follows the rules in 38 CFR § 3.105(e).

After the 100% period ends, the rating drops to 10% if you need continuous treatment with Vitamin B12 injections, sublingual or high-dose oral tablets, or nasal spray or gel. Residual effects — such as peripheral neuropathy, myelopathy, dementia, or gastrointestinal problems — are then evaluated separately under whichever diagnostic code fits them best.

Evidence that helps

For the 100% rating, medical records should document the initial diagnosis and show that you required a blood transfusion because of severe anemia, or that a provider prescribed parenteral B12 therapy because of central nervous system impairment. Records confirming a diagnosis of encephalopathy, myelopathy, or severe peripheral neuropathy, and showing those conditions were tied to your B12 deficiency, directly support this level. Hospital admission and discharge records are relevant here.

For the 10% rating, records showing a current prescription and ongoing use of Vitamin B12 injections, sublingual tablets, high-dose oral tablets, or nasal spray or gel support this level. Pharmacy records, treatment notes, and refill histories can all reflect continuous treatment.

For any residuals rated separately after the 100% period, records from neurology, gastroenterology, or other specialists — along with exam findings, nerve conduction studies, imaging, or lab work — can document the nature and severity of those ongoing effects. Statements from you or people who know you describing how symptoms affect daily activities and work may help show the impact of those residuals.

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.