38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.117
Multiple Myeloma
dc-7712-multiple-myeloma
Hematologic / lymphatic
Diagnostic code
7712
Why your DC matters: DC 7712 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 7712 — Multiple Myeloma — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.117 in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Educational index row from the rating schedule naming convention; confirm exact diagnostic code, effective date, and criteria in the current eCFR Part 4.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (7712) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7712”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 7712 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 7712 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 7712 (multiple myeloma) is a fixed 100% rating for symptomatic disease, automatically continuing for 5 YEARS after diagnosis before mandatory VA re-examination. Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell dyscrasia — malignant clonal proliferation of plasma cells producing monoclonal immunoglobulin (M-protein) that causes bone lesions, hypercalcemia, renal failure, and anemia (CRAB criteria). Critical service-connection lanes: (1) Agent Orange presumptive since 1991 (38 CFR § 3.309(e)) for Vietnam-era qualifying service, (2) PACT Act fine-particulate-matter presumptive added January 2025 for post-9/11 qualifying service (38 CFR § 3.320), (3) atomic veteran radiation-exposure path. Companion to DC 7717 AL amyloidosis (both plasma cell dyscrasias). The 5-year continued-100% window is the longest in the rating schedule — significantly longer than DC 7709 Hodgkin's (6 months post-treatment) or DC 7715 NHL (6 months).
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Symptomatic multiple myeloma — fixed 100% rating, continuing for 5 years after diagnosis before mandatory VA examination. Subsequent rating determined by residuals (renal failure, bone disease, anemia, neuropathy). | Bone marrow biopsy showing ≥10% clonal plasma cells; serum/urine M-protein quantification; CRAB criteria documentation (hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, anemia, bone lesions on skeletal survey or PET/MRI). |
| 0% | Asymptomatic / smoldering multiple myeloma / MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) — no end-organ damage. Rating may apply if progression criteria met. | Bone marrow + M-protein documentation without CRAB criteria. Monitored, not actively treated. |
What Qualifies Under DC 7712?
Symptomatic multiple myeloma (CRAB criteria)
Plasma cell dyscrasia with ≥10% clonal plasma cells on bone marrow biopsy + M-protein + ANY ONE CRAB feature: hyperCalcemia (>11 mg/dL), Renal insufficiency, Anemia (<10 g/dL), Bone lesions on imaging.
Agent Orange presumptive (38 CFR § 3.309(e))
On the AO presumptive list since 1991. Vietnam-era boots-on-ground OR brown-water Navy OR Korean DMZ qualifying service triggers presumption.
PACT Act presumptive (NEW — January 2025 per 38 CFR § 3.320)
Added to PACT Act fine-particulate-matter presumptive list effective January 2025. Post-9/11 qualifying SW Asia / Afghanistan / certain other locations service triggers presumption.
Fixed 100% per DC 7712 — 5-year continued window
Automatic 100% rating continuing for 5 years after diagnosis of symptomatic disease — longest continued window in the schedule. Mandatory VA exam at 5-year mark determines residuals.
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“Symptomatic multiple myeloma — fixed 100% per DC 7712, continuing 5 years post-diagnosis”
5-year continued 100% window is automatic on diagnosis of symptomatic disease. No tier analysis required during the window. Mandatory VA exam at the 5-year mark determines residual rating.
“Clonal plasma cells ≥10% on bone marrow biopsy + M-protein on SPEP/UPEP + CRAB criteria”
Anchors symptomatic multiple myeloma (vs. smoldering MM or MGUS). CRAB = hyperCalcemia, Renal insufficiency, Anemia, Bone lesions. ANY ONE CRAB feature converts smoldering to symptomatic.
“Post-treatment renal failure / bone disease / neuropathy / anemia”
After the 5-year window, residuals drive rating. Renal failure (DC 7502/7530), pathological fractures, peripheral neuropathy (chemo-induced or amyloid-related), anemia. Each can stack.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Bone marrow biopsy showing ≥10% clonal plasma cells
CRITICALDefinitive diagnostic anchor. Flow cytometry / immunohistochemistry confirms clonality (lambda or kappa light chain restriction).
Serum and urine M-protein quantification (SPEP, UPEP, serum free light chains)
CRITICALM-protein production is the hallmark of plasma cell dyscrasia. Tracks disease activity.
CRAB criteria workup
CRITICALCalcium (hypercalcemia >11 mg/dL), creatinine / eGFR (renal insufficiency), hemoglobin (anemia <10 g/dL), skeletal survey or whole-body MRI/PET for lytic bone lesions. ANY ONE CRAB = symptomatic.
Agent Orange presumption documentation (if Vietnam-era)
CRITICALDD-214 + boots-on-ground OR brown-water Navy OR Korean DMZ qualifying service. Multiple myeloma is on the AO presumptive list since 1991 (38 CFR § 3.309(e)).
PACT Act presumption documentation (if post-9/11)
CRITICALDD-214 + qualifying SW Asia / Afghanistan / certain other locations service. Multiple myeloma added to PACT fine-particulate-matter presumptive list January 2025 per 38 CFR § 3.320.
Hematology / oncology treatment records
IMPORTANTTreatment regimen — bortezomib-based induction (VRD, CyBorD), autologous stem cell transplant, lenalidomide maintenance, daratumumab, CAR-T. Documents disease activity and treatment intensity.
Atomic veteran radiation exposure (if applicable)
SUPPORTINGRadiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) and 38 CFR § 3.309(d) presumptive list — separate radiogenic cancer presumption.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring bone marrow biopsy + M-protein quantification reports
Anchors symptomatic multiple myeloma vs. smoldering MM or MGUS.
Bring service-period documentation for AO / PACT presumption
Vietnam-era + qualifying service (AO presumption since 1991) OR post-9/11 qualifying service (PACT presumption since Jan 2025) skip the in-service nexus burden.
Bring CRAB workup (calcium, creatinine, hemoglobin, imaging)
Any ONE CRAB feature converts smoldering to symptomatic and triggers 100%.
Don't conflate with AL amyloidosis (DC 7717)
Multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis are related plasma cell dyscrasias but rate under different DCs. Both AO presumptive. Both can coexist — rate separately if both diagnosed.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Missing the Agent Orange presumption
Multiple myeloma has been on the AO presumptive list since 1991 (38 CFR § 3.309(e)). Vietnam-era + qualifying service = presumption. File under § 3.309(e) explicitly.
Missing the new PACT Act presumption (Jan 2025)
Multiple myeloma was added to the PACT Act fine-particulate-matter presumptive list effective January 2025 (38 CFR § 3.320). Post-9/11 qualifying SW Asia / Afghanistan service triggers presumption — this is a NEW lane that older guidance won't reflect.
Underclaiming during the 5-year 100% window
The 5-year continued-100% window is automatic per DC 7712. Don't let VA reduce before the 5-year mandatory exam mark. Track the date.
Not pursuing residuals after 5-year mark
When the 5-year continued-100% window ends, file for residuals proactively: renal failure (DC 7502/7530), pathological fractures, chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy, anemia. Multi-organ involvement stacks.
Tactical Plays
⚡ File under AO presumption if Vietnam-era qualifying service
Multiple myeloma has been on the Agent Orange presumptive list since 1991 (38 CFR § 3.309(e)). Vietnam-era boots-on-ground OR brown-water Navy OR Korean DMZ 1968-1971 qualifying service triggers presumption — VA must rebut, not the veteran prove. File under § 3.309(e) explicitly.
⚡ File under PACT Act presumption if post-9/11 qualifying service (NEW Jan 2025)
Multiple myeloma was added to the PACT Act fine-particulate-matter presumptive list effective January 2025 per 38 CFR § 3.320. Post-9/11 qualifying SW Asia / Afghanistan / certain other locations service triggers presumption. This is a NEW lane — older VSOs and rating notes may not reflect it. Cite the January 2025 rule explicitly.
⚡ Track the 5-year window — longest in the schedule
DC 7712 specifies 5 YEARS of continued 100% after diagnosis of symptomatic disease — significantly longer than Hodgkin's (6 months), NHL (6 months), or most other cancers. Mark the calendar. The mandatory VA exam at the 5-year mark determines residual rating; don't let VA prematurely reduce.
⚡ Build residuals secondary file aggressively before the 5-year mark
When the 5-year window ends, residuals drive the rating. Renal failure (cast nephropathy, light chain deposition), pathological fractures, chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy, anemia, immunodeficiency. Document each separately. Multi-organ residuals stack to SMC L predicate.
⚡ Audit for AL amyloidosis (companion plasma cell dyscrasia)
Multiple myeloma can coexist with AL amyloidosis (both plasma cell dyscrasias). Both AO presumptive. If amyloidosis is present (Congo-red-positive biopsy + light chain typing), rate under DC 7717 separately — no pyramiding because they're distinct conditions.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Renal failure (myeloma kidney / cast nephropathy)
STRONGDC 7502 / 7530
Light chain deposition in renal tubules causes acute and chronic renal failure. May progress to dialysis (DC 7530). Rates separately under § 4.115a renal dysfunction or DC 7530 if dialysis.
AL amyloidosis (related plasma cell dyscrasia)
STRONGDC 7717
AL amyloidosis can coexist with or progress from multiple myeloma. Both AO presumptive. Both rate separately (different DCs, no pyramiding).
Pathological fractures / spinal compression
STRONGLytic bone lesions cause pathological fractures, especially spine (vertebral compression). Rates separately under DC 5235-5243 if spine involvement.
Peripheral neuropathy (chemo-induced or amyloid-related)
STRONGDC 8520 / 8620 / 8720
Bortezomib and other myeloma therapies cause peripheral neuropathy. Also amyloid-related neuropathy if AL amyloidosis coexists. Rates bilaterally under nerve DCs.
Anemia (myeloma-related or treatment-related)
MODERATEDC 7720 / 7722
Bone marrow infiltration causes anemia. Treatment-related anemia post-chemotherapy or transplant. Rates separately under hemic DCs.
Depression secondary to chronic / terminal cancer
STRONGDC 9434
Multiple myeloma is incurable (though long-term remission possible with modern therapy). Depression highly comorbid.
Immunodeficiency / recurrent infections
MODERATEHypogammaglobulinemia from suppressed normal Ig production. Recurrent infections (pneumonia, sinusitis). Treatment with IVIG for severe cases.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-L (statutorily housebound))
100% DC 7712 + additional independent disabilities combining to 60%+. Multiple myeloma is multi-organ — renal failure, bone disease, neuropathy, anemia, immunodeficiency residuals stack to reach SMC L predicate.
SMC-L (statutorily housebound) monthly add-on
+$4,805.45
Added on top of your schedular rating.
SMC M (aid and attendance) at advanced disease with renal failure on dialysis + bone disease + neuropathy. SMC O if severely incapacitated. Audit at every annual exam.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
100% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$3,938.58
TOTAL
$3,938.58/mo
Symptomatic multiple myeloma — fixed 100% for 5 years post-diagnosis.
100% DC 7712 + 100% DC 7530 dialysis (cast nephropathy) → SMC L
Base rating
$4,805.45
TOTAL
$4,805.45/mo
Myeloma kidney requiring dialysis = SMC L predicate.
100% DC 7712 + 100% DC 7717 AL amyloidosis (coexisting) → SMC L/M
Base rating
$4,805.45
TOTAL
$4,805.45/mo
Both plasma cell dyscrasias rate separately. Multi-organ amyloidosis residuals stack to SMC M.
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
🩸What is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell dyscrasia — malignant clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow producing monoclonal immunoglobulin (M-protein). Causes CRAB criteria: hyperCalcemia, Renal failure (myeloma kidney), Anemia, Bone lesions (lytic, pathological fractures). Incurable but treatable; modern induction + autologous stem cell transplant + maintenance achieves multi-year remission.
🦀What are CRAB Criteria?
CRAB = hyperCalcemia (>11 mg/dL or >1 mg/dL above ULN), Renal insufficiency (creatinine >2 mg/dL or eGFR <40), Anemia (hemoglobin <10 g/dL or 2 g below LLN), Bone lesions (≥1 lytic lesion on skeletal survey, CT, MRI, or PET). ANY ONE CRAB feature converts smoldering myeloma to symptomatic and triggers 100% rating.
🎖️Is Multiple Myeloma a PACT Act presumptive condition?
Yes — multiple myeloma was added to the PACT Act fine-particulate-matter presumptive list effective January 2025 per 38 CFR § 3.320. Post-9/11 qualifying service triggers presumption. This is in ADDITION to the long-standing Agent Orange presumption (§ 3.309(e), since 1991) for Vietnam-era veterans.
📅Why does the 5-year continued-100% window matter so much?
DC 7712 specifies a 5-YEAR continued 100% rating after diagnosis — the longest in the rating schedule. By comparison, DC 7709 Hodgkin's lymphoma and DC 7715 NHL continue 100% for only 6 months after treatment ends. The 5-year window provides extended financial stability through induction, transplant, and maintenance therapy phases.
How to File Your Claim
Pull bone marrow biopsy + M-protein + CRAB workup
Anchors symptomatic multiple myeloma diagnosis. Required for 100% under DC 7712.
Document AO presumption pathway if Vietnam-era qualifying service
DD-214 + deployment records. AO presumption since 1991 (§ 3.309(e)).
Document PACT Act presumption pathway if post-9/11 qualifying service (NEW Jan 2025)
DD-214 + deployment records. PACT Act fine-particulate-matter presumption (§ 3.320). NEW lane.
File 21-526EZ specifying 'multiple myeloma (DC 7712)' under § 3.309(e) AND/OR § 3.320 presumption
Cite the applicable presumption lane explicitly. Note the 5-year continued-100% window.
Build residuals secondary file before 5-year mark
Renal failure (DC 7502/7530), bone disease, neuropathy, anemia. Multi-organ residuals stack for SMC L/M analysis.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
Agent Orange presumptive since 1991
Vietnam-era + qualifying service triggers presumption (38 CFR § 3.309(e)). File explicitly.
PACT Act presumptive since January 2025 — NEW LANE
Post-9/11 qualifying service triggers presumption (38 CFR § 3.320). Newer than most VSO guidance reflects.
5-year continued 100% window — longest in schedule
Automatic 100% for 5 years post-diagnosis of symptomatic disease. Mark the calendar.
Build residuals secondary file before 5-year mark
Renal failure, bone disease, neuropathy, anemia. Multi-organ residuals stack to SMC L/M predicate.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is multiple myeloma a PACT Act presumptive condition?
Yes — multiple myeloma was added to the PACT Act fine-particulate-matter presumptive list effective January 2025 per 38 CFR § 3.320. Post-9/11 qualifying SW Asia / Afghanistan / certain other locations service triggers presumption. This is in ADDITION to the long-standing Agent Orange presumption (§ 3.309(e), since 1991) for Vietnam-era veterans. File under whichever lane (or both) apply to your service period.
How long does the 100% rating continue after diagnosis?
DC 7712 specifies a 5-YEAR continued 100% rating after diagnosis of symptomatic multiple myeloma — the longest continued window in the rating schedule. The mandatory VA examination at the 5-year mark determines the residual rating. By comparison, DC 7709 Hodgkin's lymphoma and DC 7715 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma continue 100% for only 6 months after treatment ends.
What are the CRAB criteria?
CRAB = hyperCalcemia (>11 mg/dL), Renal insufficiency (creatinine >2 mg/dL or eGFR <40), Anemia (hemoglobin <10 g/dL), Bone lesions (≥1 lytic lesion on imaging). ANY ONE CRAB feature converts smoldering myeloma to symptomatic and triggers 100% rating under DC 7712. Document each at diagnosis and at every follow-up.
What happens after the 5-year continued-100% window ends?
Mandatory VA examination at the 5-year mark determines the residual rating. File for residuals proactively BEFORE the exam: renal failure (DC 7502 or DC 7530 if dialysis), pathological fractures, chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (DC 8520-series), anemia (DC 7720 series), immunodeficiency. Multi-organ residuals stack to SMC L/M predicate.
What's the difference between DC 7712 and DC 7717 (AL amyloidosis)?
Both are plasma cell dyscrasias. Multiple myeloma (DC 7712) produces excess monoclonal protein and CRAB criteria; the M-protein typically doesn't form amyloid deposits in organs. AL amyloidosis (DC 7717) produces misfolded light chains that deposit as amyloid fibrils in organs (heart, kidney, nerves, GI). Both AO presumptive. They can coexist — if both diagnosed, both rate separately under their respective DCs.
Official Regulatory Source
Multiple myeloma rates under 38 CFR § 4.117, DC 7712 — fixed 100% for 5 years post-diagnosis of symptomatic disease, then mandatory VA exam for residual rating.
38 CFR § 4.117 — Hemic and Lymphatic Systems (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 7712. AO presumption per 38 CFR § 3.309(e) (since 1991). PACT Act presumption per 38 CFR § 3.320 (NEW January 2025). Compare DC 7717 (AL amyloidosis) for companion plasma cell dyscrasia.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7712, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 7712 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.