38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.117
Al Amyloidosis Primary Amyloidosis
dc-7717-al-amyloidosis-primary-amyloidosis
Hematologic / lymphatic
Diagnostic code
7717
Why your DC matters: DC 7717 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 7717 — Al Amyloidosis Primary Amyloidosis — 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 (7717) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7717”. 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 7717 (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 7717 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 7717 (AL amyloidosis / primary amyloidosis) is a fixed 100% rating — no tier ladder, no METs calculation. AL amyloidosis is a rare plasma cell dyscrasia where misfolded immunoglobulin light chains deposit as amyloid fibrils in vital organs (heart, kidney, nervous system, GI tract, soft tissue), causing progressive multi-organ failure. Critical service-connection note: AL amyloidosis was added to the Agent Orange presumptive list in 2009 (38 CFR § 3.309(e)) — Vietnam-era veterans with qualifying service have presumption. The rating itself is straightforward (100%), but the residuals / organ-specific complications (cardiac amyloidosis → CHF, renal amyloidosis → ESRD, neuropathy, GI dysmotility) often warrant additional separate ratings. AL amyloidosis is distinct from other amyloidoses (AA secondary to chronic inflammation, ATTR transthyretin-related) — only AL is explicitly listed under DC 7717.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | AL amyloidosis (primary amyloidosis) — fixed rating per DC 7717. | Tissue biopsy showing amyloid (Congo red staining + apple-green birefringence under polarized light) + typing as AL (lambda or kappa light chain). Multi-organ involvement assessment. |
What Qualifies Under DC 7717?
AL amyloidosis (primary amyloidosis)
Plasma cell dyscrasia producing misfolded monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains that deposit as amyloid fibrils in vital organs. Distinct from AA (secondary amyloidosis from chronic inflammation), ATTR (transthyretin-related), and beta-2 microglobulin amyloidosis (dialysis-related).
Tissue biopsy confirmation required
Congo red staining + apple-green birefringence under polarized light + light chain typing (lambda or kappa) by mass spectrometry or immunohistochemistry. Anchors AL amyloidosis specifically.
Agent Orange presumptive (38 CFR § 3.309(e))
Added to AO presumptive list in 2009. Vietnam-era + boots-on-ground OR brown-water Navy OR Korean DMZ qualifying service triggers presumption.
Fixed 100% rating per DC 7717
No tier ladder. Fixed 100% upon diagnosis. Organ-specific complications rate separately on top.
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.
“AL amyloidosis (primary amyloidosis)”
Fixed 100% per DC 7717. No tier analysis needed. Anchor diagnosis with tissue biopsy + amyloid typing (must be AL, not AA or ATTR).
“Congo red positive + apple-green birefringence + light chain (lambda or kappa) typing”
Confirms AL amyloidosis specifically. Other amyloidoses (AA from chronic inflammation, ATTR transthyretin, beta-2 microglobulin dialysis-related) are distinct conditions, NOT covered under DC 7717.
“Organ-specific complications (cardiac, renal, neurologic, GI)”
AL amyloidosis is multi-organ. Cardiac amyloidosis → CHF rates separately. Renal amyloidosis → ESRD rates under DC 7530 with HTN/cardiac stacking. Neuropathy rates under nerve DCs. GI dysmotility under § 4.114 DCs.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Tissue biopsy with amyloid confirmation
CRITICALFat pad, bone marrow, organ biopsy showing Congo red positive amyloid deposits with apple-green birefringence on polarized light. Definitive diagnosis.
Amyloid typing — AL (lambda or kappa light chain)
CRITICALDistinguishes AL from AA, ATTR, beta-2 microglobulin amyloidoses. Mass spectrometry or immunohistochemistry. Required for DC 7717 specifically.
Hematology / oncology consults
CRITICALAL amyloidosis is treated by hematology-oncology (similar to multiple myeloma — plasma cell dyscrasia). Establishes diagnosis + treatment regimen.
Agent Orange presumption documentation
CRITICALVietnam-era + boots-on-ground OR brown-water Navy OR Korean DMZ specific units. DD-214 + deployment records.
Organ-specific workup — echo, kidney function, neuropathy assessment, GI
IMPORTANTCardiac amyloid: echo with strain imaging, cardiac MRI, NT-proBNP. Renal: 24-hour urine protein, creatinine, eGFR. Neuro: EMG/NCS. GI: motility studies.
Treatment records (chemo, transplant)
IMPORTANTBortezomib-based regimens, autologous stem cell transplant, daratumumab. Documents disease activity and treatment intensity.
Serum free light chain ratio + monoclonal protein quantification
SUPPORTINGHematology tumor marker for AL amyloidosis. Tracks disease activity.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring tissue biopsy + amyloid typing report
Congo red + light chain typing (lambda or kappa) anchors AL amyloidosis specifically.
Bring service-period documentation establishing AO presumption
Vietnam-era + qualifying service triggers presumption (38 CFR § 3.309(e)).
Bring organ-specific workup (echo, labs, EMG, etc.)
Multi-organ involvement supports residuals stacking even at fixed 100% schedular.
Don't conflate with multiple myeloma or other amyloidoses
DC 7717 is specifically AL amyloidosis. Multiple myeloma rates under DC 7712. AA (secondary) and ATTR amyloidoses are separately handled.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Missing the Agent Orange presumption
AL amyloidosis was added to the AO presumptive list in 2009 (38 CFR § 3.309(e)). Vietnam-era veterans with qualifying service have presumption — VA must rebut, not the veteran prove. File under § 3.309(e) explicitly.
Filing without amyloid typing as AL
DC 7717 covers AL amyloidosis specifically. Without light chain typing (lambda or kappa), the diagnosis isn't anchored. Demand mass spectrometry or immunohistochemistry typing.
Not pursuing organ-specific secondary ratings
AL amyloidosis is multi-organ. Cardiac amyloidosis (CHF, restrictive cardiomyopathy), renal amyloidosis (ESRD, nephrotic syndrome), neuropathy, GI dysmotility — all rate separately on top of the 100% schedular.
Confusing with multiple myeloma (DC 7712)
AL amyloidosis is a plasma cell dyscrasia (related to multiple myeloma) but rates under DC 7717. Multiple myeloma rates under DC 7712. Both are Agent Orange presumptive but rate differently.
Tactical Plays
⚡ File under Agent Orange presumption if Vietnam-era
AL amyloidosis was added to the AO presumptive list in 2009 (38 CFR § 3.309(e)). Vietnam-era veterans with boots-on-ground service OR brown-water Navy OR Korean DMZ qualifying service have presumption — VA must rebut, not the veteran prove. File under § 3.309(e) explicitly. This is the easiest service-connection path for qualifying veterans.
⚡ Anchor diagnosis with amyloid typing — must be AL
DC 7717 covers AL amyloidosis specifically. Tissue biopsy with Congo red staining + apple-green birefringence + light chain typing (lambda or kappa) is required. Mass spectrometry or immunohistochemistry typing distinguishes AL from AA (secondary), ATTR (transthyretin), beta-2 microglobulin (dialysis-related). Without typing, the diagnosis is contested.
⚡ Build organ-specific secondary file aggressively
Fixed 100% schedular rating doesn't preclude residuals stacking. AL amyloidosis is multi-organ. Cardiac amyloidosis (CHF), renal amyloidosis (ESRD), neuropathy (bilateral), GI dysmotility, autonomic dysfunction — each rates separately. The combination becomes the predicate for SMC L (statutorily housebound) and potentially SMC M analysis.
⚡ Audit related plasma cell dyscrasias
AL amyloidosis can coexist with or progress from multiple myeloma. Both are AO presumptive. Multiple myeloma rates under DC 7712 with its own schedule. If both are present, both rate — different DCs, no pyramiding.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Cardiac amyloidosis — restrictive cardiomyopathy / CHF
STRONGDC 7020 / 7007
Cardiac involvement is the leading cause of death in AL amyloidosis. Restrictive cardiomyopathy with preserved EF, CHF, arrhythmias. Rates separately.
Renal amyloidosis — nephrotic syndrome / ESRD
STRONGDC 7502 / 7530
Glomerular amyloid deposition causes nephrotic-range proteinuria → progressive CKD → ESRD requiring dialysis. Rates separately under § 4.115a renal dysfunction or DC 7530 if dialysis.
Amyloid peripheral neuropathy
STRONGDC 8520 / 8620 / 8720
Amyloid deposition in peripheral nerves causes sensory > motor neuropathy. Often painful. Rates bilaterally under nerve DCs.
Amyloid autonomic neuropathy
MODERATEOrthostatic hypotension, GI dysmotility, erectile dysfunction. May rate under multiple DCs depending on manifestation.
GI amyloidosis (dysmotility, malabsorption)
MODERATEAmyloid in GI tract causes dysmotility, gastroparesis, diarrhea, malabsorption. Rates under § 4.114 GI DCs.
Multiple myeloma (related plasma cell dyscrasia)
MODERATEDC 7712
AL amyloidosis can coexist with or progress from multiple myeloma. Both AO presumptive. Rate separately if coexisting.
Depression secondary to chronic terminal illness
STRONGDC 9434
AL amyloidosis is a terminal disease with poor prognosis without treatment. Depression highly comorbid.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-L (statutorily housebound))
100% DC 7717 + additional independent disabilities combining to 60%+. AL amyloidosis is multi-organ — cardiac, renal, neurologic, GI residuals stack to reach SMC L predicate quickly.
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 multiple organ failure. 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
Fixed 100% per DC 7717.
100% DC 7717 + 60% DC 7020 cardiac amyloid + 60% DC 7502 renal amyloid + 20%+20% bilateral neuropathy → SMC L (often M)
Base rating
$4,805.45
TOTAL
$4,805.45/mo
Multi-organ amyloidosis = SMC L/M predicate.
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 AL Amyloidosis?
AL amyloidosis (also called primary amyloidosis or 'light chain amyloidosis') is a plasma cell dyscrasia where misfolded monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains (kappa or lambda) deposit as insoluble amyloid fibrils in vital organs (heart, kidney, nervous system, GI tract, liver, soft tissue). Causes progressive multi-organ failure. Rare (incidence ~10-12 per million annually). Distinct from other amyloidoses.
↔️AL vs. AA vs. ATTR — What's the Difference?
AL = primary amyloidosis (light chain, plasma cell dyscrasia). AA = secondary amyloidosis (serum amyloid A protein, deposited from chronic inflammation — RA, IBD, infections). ATTR = transthyretin amyloidosis (hereditary or age-related). Beta-2 microglobulin = dialysis-related. DC 7717 covers AL specifically; others are differently coded.
🎖️Is AL Amyloidosis Agent Orange Presumptive?
Yes — added to the Agent Orange presumptive list in 2009 (38 CFR § 3.309(e)). Vietnam-era veterans with qualifying service (boots-on-ground, brown-water Navy, Korean DMZ 1968-1971 specific units) have presumption — VA must rebut the service connection, not the veteran prove.
💊How is AL Amyloidosis Treated?
Similar to multiple myeloma — bortezomib-based regimens (CyBorD, VCD), autologous stem cell transplant for eligible patients, daratumumab (anti-CD38 antibody, FDA-approved 2021 for AL amyloidosis). Goal is hematologic response + organ response. Treatment intensity and response affect prognosis but not rating (fixed 100%).
How to File Your Claim
Pull tissue biopsy + amyloid typing report
Congo red + apple-green birefringence + light chain typing (lambda or kappa). Required for AL specificity.
Document Agent Orange presumption pathway if applicable
Vietnam-era + qualifying service. DD-214 + deployment records.
Build organ-specific workup file — echo, kidney function, EMG, GI motility
Anchors residuals stacking on top of 100% schedular.
File 21-526EZ specifying 'AL amyloidosis (DC 7717)' under § 3.309(e) presumption
Cite Agent Orange presumption explicitly if Vietnam-era qualifying.
File organ-specific secondaries — cardiac, renal, neuropathy, GI, mental health
Multi-organ disease requires multi-DC filing. SMC L/M analysis follows.
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 2009
AL amyloidosis is on the AO presumptive list (38 CFR § 3.309(e)). Vietnam-era + qualifying service triggers presumption.
Fixed 100% — no tier analysis needed
Confirmation of AL amyloidosis = automatic 100% schedular. Focus on residuals stacking and SMC analysis instead.
Amyloid typing as AL is critical
DC 7717 is specifically AL amyloidosis. Light chain typing distinguishes from AA, ATTR, beta-2 microglobulin amyloidoses (different codes).
Multi-organ disease — stack residuals aggressively
Cardiac, renal, neuropathy, GI, autonomic — each rates separately on top of 100% schedular. SMC L/M predicate often achievable.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AL amyloidosis an Agent Orange presumptive condition?
Yes — AL amyloidosis was added to the Agent Orange presumptive list in 2009 (38 CFR § 3.309(e)). Vietnam-era veterans with qualifying service (boots-on-ground, brown-water Navy, Korean DMZ 1968-1971 specific units) have presumption. VA must rebut the service connection, not the veteran prove. File under § 3.309(e) explicitly.
What's the difference between AL amyloidosis and multiple myeloma?
Both are plasma cell dyscrasias. AL amyloidosis (DC 7717) produces misfolded light chains that deposit as amyloid in organs. Multiple myeloma (DC 7712) produces excess monoclonal protein but typically without amyloid deposition. Both are Agent Orange presumptive. They can coexist; if both diagnosed, both rate separately.
Why is DC 7717 a fixed 100% rating?
AL amyloidosis is a rare, multi-organ, progressive disease with high mortality and significant treatment burden. The schedule recognizes the severity by fixing the rating at 100% upon diagnosis. Organ-specific complications rate separately on top of the schedular 100%.
Can I claim cardiac amyloidosis separately from DC 7717?
Yes — cardiac amyloidosis (restrictive cardiomyopathy, CHF, arrhythmias from amyloid deposition in heart) rates separately under DC 7020 (cardiomyopathy) or DC 7007 (CHF) or DC 7011 (arrhythmias). Multi-organ amyloidosis stacks ratings; the combination becomes the predicate for SMC L.
What if my amyloidosis is the AA or ATTR type?
DC 7717 covers AL amyloidosis specifically. AA amyloidosis (secondary to chronic inflammation — RA, IBD, infections) is rated by analogy to the underlying inflammatory condition + organ-specific impairment. ATTR amyloidosis (transthyretin, hereditary or age-related) rates by analogy. Neither is automatically AO presumptive.
Official Regulatory Source
AL amyloidosis rates under 38 CFR § 4.117, DC 7717 — fixed 100% upon diagnosis.
38 CFR § 4.117 — Hemic and Lymphatic Systems (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 7717. Agent Orange presumption per 38 CFR § 3.309(e) (added 2009). Compare DC 7712 (multiple myeloma) for related plasma cell dyscrasia.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7717, 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 7717 • 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.