The Department of Veterans Affairs is proposing changes to the hematologic and lymphatic systems VA Rating Schedule to update medical terminology, add medical conditions not currently in the Rating Schedule, and revise the rating criteria to reflect medical advances.
The VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities is in the Code of Federal Regulations Part 4 (38CFR4) at www.ecfr.gov. The rating schedule shows medical criteria and disability ratings for a health condition, injury or disease. Periodically the VA proposes changes to the Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Proposed changes are posted in the Federal Register, and the public is invited to submit comments.
The following is the latest of several proposed changes with an open comment period:
Hematologic and Lymphatic Systems
The VA is proposing changes to the hematologic and lymphatic systems schedule of ratings (38 CFR 4.117) and appendices A, B, and C to 38 CFR Part 4 (listings of amendments with dates and two indexes). The changes are intended to update medical terminology; add medical conditions not currently in the Rating Schedule, and revise the rating criteria to reflect medical advances. It has been about 20 years since the last update.
There are significant changes proposed for definitions and the rating schedule, as well as additional VA diagnostic codes for anemia and leukemia. Notes are also proposed to be added for the benefit of VA rating specialists. A disability rating of 100% is proposed for situations such as conditions requiring a bone marrow stem-cell transplant.
You can review the full explanation and proposed changes for the Schedule for Rating Disabilities; The Hematologic and Lymphatic Systems at https://federalregister.gov/a/2015-19197.
Comments can be submitted in response to “RIN 2900-AO19” through www.Regulations.gov. Comments are due on or before October 5, 2015.