Hodgkin's lymphoma VA Rating
How VA rates Hodgkin's lymphoma under diagnostic code 7709, what evidence decides the percentage, and the reasons these claims get denied or under-rated.
Hodgkin's lymphoma is rated under diagnostic code 7709. In the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities it appears as Hodgkin's lymphoma, within the Hematologic / Lymphatic Systems section of 38 CFR Part 4.
The essentials
| Diagnostic code | 7709 |
|---|---|
| Rating schedule name | Hodgkin's lymphoma |
| Body system | Hematologic / Lymphatic Systems |
| Examination form | HEM Hematologic & lymphatic conditions, including leukemia |
Other names for this condition
VA and treating providers may use different terms for the same condition. If your records use any of these, they may still support a claim for Hodgkin's lymphoma:
- Hodgkin's disease
- lymphadenoma
- Kaposi's sarcoma
- lymphosarcoma
- diffuse b-cell lymphoma
- T-cell lymphoma
What evidence decides the rating
For hematologic / lymphatic systems conditions, these are the findings VA weighs when assigning a percentage. If your examination did not address them, the examination may be inadequate for rating purposes — which is itself an argument on appeal.
- Blood counts and transfusion requirements
- Whether the condition is in active treatment or residual phase — active malignancy carries a temporary 100% rating with a mandatory examination afterwards
Why these claims get denied or under-rated
These are the failure patterns we see most often on hodgkin's lymphoma and related hematologic / lymphatic systems claims:
- The temporary 100% rating was reduced without the mandatory examination required at the end of the treatment period
If your claim was denied or under-rated
A denial is not the end of the claim. Which route is right depends on why VA decided the way it did:
- Higher-Level Review — when the evidence already in the file supports a grant and VA got the decision wrong, or the examination was inadequate.
- Supplemental Claim — when you have new and relevant evidence, such as a private nexus opinion.
- Board Appeal — when you need a Veterans Law Judge to decide, or want a hearing.
- Clear and Unmistakable Error — when a decision more than a year old contains an undebatable error, which can recover retroactive pay.
Effective dates matter as much as the percentage. See effective dates and back pay for how far back an award can reach.
Sources
Related conditions
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This page is educational information, not legal advice. VA rules and deadlines change — always confirm details with the official source (38 CFR, M21-1) or your accredited claims agent. Borne Accredited Claims is an accredited VA claims agent under 38 CFR §14.629 and is not part of, or endorsed by, the Department of Veterans Affairs. We do not guarantee any specific outcome.