38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.117
Non Hodgkin S Lymphoma
dc-7715-non-hodgkin-s-lymphoma
Hematologic / lymphatic
Diagnostic code
7715
Why your DC matters: DC 7715 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 7715 — Non Hodgkin S Lymphoma — 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 (7715) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7715”. 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 7715 (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 7715 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 7715 (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) is one of the most reliable 100% claims in the catalog. The schedule awards 100% when there is active disease, during treatment phase, or with indolent and non-contiguous phase of low-grade NHL. The 100% continues through any surgical, radiation, antineoplastic chemotherapy, or other therapeutic procedures, and for 6 months following cessation. Two years after discontinuance of treatment, a mandatory VA exam re-evaluates. If no recurrence, rate residuals under appropriate DCs. NHL is double-presumptive: Agent Orange (38 USC § 1116, Vietnam-era + brown-water Navy + Korean DMZ specific units) AND PACT Act (38 USC § 1120, post-9/11 burn pit / airborne hazards). Identifying the correct presumption lane matters for service-connection burden.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Active disease; during treatment phase (surgery, radiation, antineoplastic chemotherapy, other therapy); or with indolent and non-contiguous phase of low-grade NHL. Continues for 6 months following cessation of therapy. | Oncology records documenting active NHL + ongoing treatment OR low-grade indolent presentation. |
| 0% | Mandatory VA exam 2 years after discontinuance of therapy. If no recurrence, rate on residuals under appropriate DC(s). | Re-evaluation exam + residuals documentation (chemo-induced neuropathy, fatigue, cognitive changes, secondary cancers, etc.). |
What Qualifies Under DC 7715?
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis (any subtype)
DLBCL, follicular, marginal zone, mantle cell, CLL/SLL, Burkitt, anaplastic large cell, peripheral T-cell, and other non-Hodgkin subtypes. Distinguished from Hodgkin's lymphoma (DC 7709) by histology.
Service connection via presumption (preferred)
Agent Orange (38 USC § 1116, Vietnam-era + qualifying service) OR PACT Act (38 USC § 1120, post-9/11 qualifying locations). Both presumptions shift the SC burden.
100% during active disease + treatment + 6 months post
Schedule awards 100% throughout active management. 6-month tail is automatic following cessation.
Mandatory 2-year re-eval
VA exam 24 months after discontinuance. If no recurrence, rate on residuals. If recurrence, 100% resumes.
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.
“Active disease OR during treatment phase OR indolent low-grade phase”
Disjunctive — any one element triggers 100%. 'Active disease' includes diagnosis stage before treatment starts AND any recurrence. 'Treatment phase' includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy (CHOP, R-CHOP, R-EPOCH, etc.), immunotherapy, CAR-T. Indolent low-grade NHL (follicular, marginal zone, CLL/SLL) rates 100% throughout active management even without aggressive treatment.
“Continues for 6 months following cessation of therapy”
The 6-month tail is automatic. Don't accept a rating reduction immediately upon end-of-treatment — the schedule mandates 6 months at 100%.
“Mandatory VA examination 2 years after discontinuance”
Re-eval at 24 months post-treatment. If no recurrence, residuals rate. If recurrence, 100% resumes.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Oncology records confirming NHL diagnosis + subtype
CRITICALBiopsy pathology (lymph node, bone marrow). Subtypes: DLBCL, follicular, marginal zone, mantle cell, CLL/SLL, Burkitt, anaplastic large cell, etc. Anchors diagnosis.
Treatment records (chemo, radiation, immunotherapy)
CRITICALR-CHOP, R-EPOCH, R-CVP, bendamustine-rituximab, CAR-T, etc. Establishes 100% during treatment phase + 6-month post-treatment tail.
Service-connection presumption pathway documentation
CRITICALAgent Orange: Vietnam-era + boots-on-ground OR brown-water Navy OR Korean DMZ units (38 USC § 1116). PACT: post-9/11 service in qualifying locations (38 USC § 1120). DD-214 + deployment records.
Imaging — CT/PET staging scans
IMPORTANTInitial staging + interim restaging + end-of-treatment scans. Documents response to therapy and residual disease.
Bone marrow biopsy if performed
IMPORTANTStages NHL (marrow involvement upstages) and helps subtype determination.
Mandatory 2-year post-treatment VA exam
SUPPORTINGRe-eval to determine if recurrence vs. residuals rating. Don't miss the scheduled exam.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring oncology pathology report
Lymph node or bone marrow biopsy with subtype. Anchors NHL vs. Hodgkin's distinction.
Bring treatment timeline + most recent restaging scan
Documents active disease or post-treatment status.
Bring deployment / service-period records establishing presumption pathway
AO Vietnam-era or PACT post-9/11 — different pathways, different documentation.
Don't downplay residuals at 2-year re-eval
Chemo-induced neuropathy, fatigue, cognitive changes ('chemo brain'), secondary cancers — all rate separately. Document residuals thoroughly at re-eval.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Accepting rating reduction immediately at end-of-treatment
The 6-month post-treatment tail is automatic per the schedule. Rating remains 100% for 6 months after final chemo/radiation cycle. Don't accept a premature reduction.
Missing the dual presumption — AO and PACT
NHL is on BOTH Agent Orange presumptive list (38 USC § 1116, Vietnam-era) AND PACT Act presumptive list (38 USC § 1120, post-9/11). Identify the correct lane — different documentation requirements.
Not pursuing residuals at 2-year re-eval
Chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (DC 8520 / 8620), cognitive changes, cardiac complications (anthracycline cardiomyopathy), secondary cancers, infertility — all rate separately. Don't accept 0% schedular at re-eval without thorough residuals workup.
Confusing NHL with Hodgkin's lymphoma (DC 7709)
Hodgkin's lymphoma rates under DC 7709 with same 100% / treatment / re-eval structure. NHL is more common; subtype determination matters for both rating and Agent Orange presumption (both NHL and Hodgkin's are AO presumptive, but coded separately).
Tactical Plays
⚡ Identify the correct presumption lane — AO or PACT
NHL is on BOTH presumptive lists. Agent Orange (38 USC § 1116) for Vietnam-era + boots-on-ground OR brown-water Navy OR Korean DMZ specific units (1968-1971). PACT Act (38 USC § 1120) for post-9/11 service in qualifying locations (Gulf War theater, Afghanistan, etc.). The presumption shifts the SC burden — VA must rebut, not the veteran prove. Identify the correct lane and cite explicitly in the claim.
⚡ Don't accept reduction at end-of-treatment — 6-month tail is automatic
Per the schedule, 100% continues for 6 months following cessation of any therapeutic procedure (surgery, radiation, chemo, etc.). Many veterans get premature reduction notices. The 6-month tail is mandatory — challenge any reduction before that period closes.
⚡ Build the residuals file BEFORE the 2-year re-eval
At the mandatory 2-year post-treatment VA exam, residuals are evaluated. Chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (DC 8520/8620 bilaterally), anthracycline cardiomyopathy (DC 7005/7020), cognitive changes, secondary cancers — all rate separately. Without a thorough residuals workup, the rating drops to 0% schedular with only residuals to fall back on. Document residuals proactively.
⚡ Run the chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy claim aggressively
Vincristine (in R-CHOP), oxaliplatin, paclitaxel cause persistent peripheral neuropathy — often permanent. DC 8520 (sciatic) + DC 8620 (sciatic neuritis) bilaterally can stack significantly. Get EMG/NCS documentation + neurology evaluation while symptoms are fresh post-treatment.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy
STRONGDC 8520 / 8620
Vincristine, oxaliplatin, paclitaxel cause persistent peripheral neuropathy. Often permanent. Direct secondary to NHL treatment — rates bilaterally.
Anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy
MODERATEDC 7020 / 7005
Doxorubicin (in CHOP / R-CHOP) causes cumulative cardiotoxicity. Reduced EF on echo months-to-years post-treatment. Rates separately.
Secondary cancers (MDS, AML)
MODERATEDC 7715 / 7703
Chemotherapy-induced therapy-related MDS or AML. Latent risk persists years post-treatment. Direct secondary if SC NHL was the original treated cancer.
Depression secondary to cancer diagnosis / treatment
STRONGDC 9434
Cancer diagnosis and treatment have well-documented depression comorbidity. Often persists beyond active treatment phase.
Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment ('chemo brain')
MODERATEPersistent cognitive changes post-chemo. May rate under TBI/cognitive impairment codes or as residual mental health.
Infertility (if reproductive-age veteran)
MODERATECytotoxic chemotherapy causes infertility. SMC K (loss of use of creative organ) may apply if permanent.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-L (statutorily housebound) — during active disease)
100% NHL + additional independent disabilities combining to 60%+ (chemo-induced neuropathy bilaterally + cardiac + mental health). Often available during active treatment phase.
SMC-L (statutorily housebound) — during active disease monthly add-on
+$4,805.45
Added on top of your schedular rating.
SMC M / SMC O may apply at end-stage NHL with multiple severe residuals. 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
Active NHL OR treatment phase OR indolent low-grade phase.
100% DC 7715 + 20%+20% bilateral chemo neuropathy + 70% PTSD/depression → SMC L
Base rating
$4,805.45
TOTAL
$4,805.45/mo
Active treatment + neuropathy bilateral + mental health = SMC L (statutorily housebound).
0% — single, no dependents
TOTAL
$0.00/mo
Residuals-based after 2-year re-eval with no recurrence.
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's the 6-Month Post-Treatment Tail?
Per the DC 7715 schedule, the 100% rating 'continues beyond the cessation of any surgical therapy, radiation therapy, antineoplastic chemotherapy, or other therapeutic procedures' — typically for 6 months following the final treatment cycle. Don't accept earlier reduction notices.
📅What's the Mandatory 2-Year Re-Eval?
VA exam scheduled 24 months after discontinuance of therapy. If no recurrence, the rating drops from 100% to residuals-based under appropriate DCs. If recurrence, 100% resumes. Build the residuals file proactively before this exam.
📋Agent Orange vs. PACT Act — Which Lane?
Both presumptions cover NHL. Agent Orange (38 USC § 1116): Vietnam-era + boots-on-ground OR brown-water Navy OR Korean DMZ units (1968-1971). PACT Act (38 USC § 1120): post-9/11 service in qualifying locations (Persian Gulf War theater, Afghanistan, etc.). Identify the correct lane by service period + location.
🐢Indolent Low-Grade NHL — Why 100% Without Treatment?
Low-grade NHL (follicular, marginal zone, CLL/SLL) is often managed by 'watchful waiting' rather than immediate treatment — the disease is incurable but slow-progressing. The schedule explicitly awards 100% for indolent low-grade NHL throughout the 'indolent and non-contiguous phase,' even without active treatment.
How to File Your Claim
Pull oncology pathology + treatment records
Biopsy subtype + treatment regimen anchors diagnosis and 100% during-treatment rating.
Identify and document presumption pathway
AO Vietnam-era OR PACT post-9/11. DD-214 + deployment records.
File 21-526EZ specifying 'non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (DC 7715)' under correct presumption
Cite 38 USC § 1116 (AO) or § 1120 (PACT) explicitly.
Build residuals file proactively — chemo neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, mental health
Document residuals during active treatment for use at 2-year re-eval.
Don't miss the 2-year re-eval appointment
Mandatory exam at 24 months. Pre-build residuals documentation.
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
Dual presumption — AO and PACT
NHL is on both Agent Orange and PACT Act presumptive lists. Identify the correct lane by service period + location.
6-month post-treatment tail is automatic
100% continues 6 months after final treatment cycle per schedule. Don't accept earlier reduction.
Mandatory 2-year re-eval
Build residuals file proactively. Chemo neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, depression, secondary cancers all rate separately if recurrence is ruled out.
SMC L during active treatment
100% + bilateral chemo neuropathy + mental health often reaches SMC L predicate during active management.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NHL on the PACT Act presumptive list?
Yes — PACT Act (38 USC § 1120) added several cancers as presumptive for veterans with qualifying burn pit / airborne hazard exposure in post-9/11 service. NHL is also Agent Orange presumptive (38 USC § 1116) for Vietnam-era + qualifying service. Identify the correct presumption lane based on your service period + location.
How long does the 100% rating continue after treatment ends?
6 months following cessation of treatment, per the DC 7715 schedule. The 6-month tail is automatic. After that, a mandatory VA exam at 24 months post-treatment re-evaluates: if no recurrence, residuals-based rating; if recurrence, 100% resumes.
Can I rate chemo-induced neuropathy separately?
Yes — chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy from NHL treatment (vincristine, oxaliplatin, paclitaxel) is a direct secondary. Rates under DC 8520 (sciatic) / DC 8620 (sciatic neuritis) bilaterally. Often persistent post-treatment. Document with EMG/NCS.
What if I have indolent low-grade NHL and I'm not being treated?
The DC 7715 schedule explicitly awards 100% for 'indolent and non-contiguous phase of low-grade NHL.' Low-grade follicular, marginal zone, CLL/SLL managed by 'watchful waiting' all qualify for 100% throughout the indolent phase, even without active treatment.
Can I claim Hodgkin's lymphoma under DC 7715?
No — Hodgkin's lymphoma rates under DC 7709, not 7715. Both have the same 100% / treatment / 2-year re-eval structure. Both are Agent Orange presumptive. Subtype determination on pathology distinguishes them.
Official Regulatory Source
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma rates under 38 CFR § 4.117, DC 7715 — 100% during active disease + treatment + 6 months post; mandatory re-eval at 2 years.
38 CFR § 4.117 — Hemic and Lymphatic Systems (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 7715. Compare DC 7709 (Hodgkin's lymphoma) for subtype distinction. Presumption pathways: 38 USC § 1116 (Agent Orange) and § 1120 (PACT Act).
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7715, 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 7715 • 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.