Hemic and Lymphatic Systems
Hemic System
The Hemic System pertains to the blood and its components. It includes the following key elements:
Blood
The liquid connective tissue that circulates throughout the body.
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs.
- White Blood Cells (WBCs): Fight infections and play a role in immunity.
- Platelets: Aid in blood clotting to stop bleeding.
Bone Marrow
A spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced, including:
- RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.
Hemoglobin
- The protein in RBCs that binds to oxygen for transport.
Common conditions affecting the Hemic System include anemia, leukemia, and polycythemia vera.
The Lymphatic System is a network of tissues, vessels, and organs that help maintain fluid balance, defend against infection, and remove waste. It includes:
Lymphatic System
The Lymphatic System is a network of tissues, vessels, and organs that help maintain fluid balance, defend against infection, and remove waste. It includes:
Lymph Fluid
A clear fluid containing white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes, which are crucial for immune defense.
Lymph Nodes
Small, bean-shaped structures that filter harmful substances and house immune cells to fight infection.
Lymphatic Vessels
Transport lymph fluid throughout the body.
Organs
- Spleen: Filters blood, recycles red blood cells, and helps fight infection.
- Thymus: Where T-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) mature.
- Tonsils and Adenoids: Trap pathogens entering through the mouth or nose.
Bone Marrow and Lymphoid Tissues
Sites where lymphocytes are produced.
Common conditions affecting the Lymphatic System include lymphoma (Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s), lymphedema, and immune disorders.
Interaction Between the Systems
The Hemic and Lymphatic Systems are interconnected:
- Both are involved in immune responses.
- The lymphatic system aids in filtering pathogens from the blood (a hemic function).
- Bone marrow is a shared component for producing blood cells and lymphocytes.
Disorders of these systems can significantly impair oxygen transport, immunity, and waste removal, leading to serious health complications. These conditions are rated for disability compensation under the VASRD (Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities) when service-connected.
VASRD Codes in Alphabetical Order
Code 7700: Anemia
- Definition: Caused by low iron or B12 levels. Rated based on hemoglobin levels and symptoms.
- Ratings:
- 100%: Hemoglobin ≤5 g/dL with symptoms like difficulty breathing or congestive heart failure.
- 70%: Hemoglobin ≤7 g/dL with symptoms like an enlarged heart, high blood pressure, or fainting (at least 3 times in 6 months).
- 30%: Hemoglobin ≤8 g/dL with symptoms like weakness, headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
- 10%: Hemoglobin ≤10 g/dL with mild symptoms like weakness or fatigue.
- 0%: Hemoglobin ≤10 g/dL without symptoms.
Code 7702: Agranulocytosis
- Definition: A condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough white blood cells, weakening the immune system.
- Ratings:
- 100%: Requires a bone marrow transplant, platelet/red blood cell transfusions every 6 weeks, or infections every 6 weeks.
- 60%: Transfusions or infections every 3 months.
- 30%: Transfusions or infections once a year.
- 10%: Continuous medication required.
Code 7703: Leukemia
- Definition: A cancer of blood or bone marrow causing overproduction of immature white blood cells.
- Ratings:
- 100%: Active or undergoing treatment (maintained for six months post-treatment).
- After reevaluation, rated as anemia (Code 7700) or aplastic anemia (Code 7716) for residual symptoms.
Code 7704: Polycythemia Vera
- Definition: Overproduction of red blood cells leading to symptoms like dizziness or blood clots.
- Ratings:
- 100%: Requires myelosuppressant treatment (maintained for three months post-treatment).
- 40%: Requires routine phlebotomy.
- 10%: Stable condition, with or without medication.
Code 7705: Thrombocytopenia
- Definition: Low platelet count in the blood.
- Ratings:
- 100%: Platelet count <20,000 with bleeding requiring medication and transfusions.
- 70%: Platelet count 20,000–70,000 without bleeding.
- 30%: Platelet count 70,000–100,000, stable, and no bleeding.
- 0%: Platelet count ≥100,000, stable, and no bleeding.
Code 7714: Sickle Cell Anemia
- Definition: Genetic anemia causing misshapen red blood cells, limiting oxygen delivery.
- Ratings:
- 100%: Severe symptoms preventing even light manual labor.
- 60%: Frequent painful episodes restricting activity to light manual labor.
- 30%: Episodes of red blood cell destruction with lasting symptoms.
- 10%: Diagnosed condition affecting organs but without symptoms.
Code 7715: Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Definition: Cancerous growth of lymphoid cells.
- Ratings:
- 100%: Active or undergoing treatment (maintained for six months post-treatment).
- After reevaluation, rated on residual symptoms.
Code 7716: Aplastic Anemia
- Definition: Insufficient blood cell production by the bone marrow.
- Ratings:
- 100%: Bone marrow transplant required (maintained for six months post-transplant) or transfusions/infections every 6 weeks.
- 60%: Transfusions or infections every 3 months.
- 30%: Transfusions or infections once a year.
- 10%: Continuous medication required.
Skin Conditions: VASRD Codes in Alphabetical Order
Code 7801: Deep, Non-Linear Scars
- Definition: Scars affecting underlying soft tissues.
- Ratings:
- 40%: Affected area ≥144 in².
- 30%: Area 72–144 in².
- 20%: Area 12–72 in².
- 10%: Area 6–12 in².
Code 7802: Superficial, Non-Linear Scars
- Definition: Scars affecting only the skin.
- Ratings:
- 10%: Affected area ≥144 in².
Code 7805: Linear Scars
- Definition: Line-shaped scars rated based on functional limitations.
Code 7806: Dermatitis/Eczema
- Definition: Skin swelling and redness, often described as a rash.
- Ratings:
- Based on affected area or treatment.
- 60%: Affects >40% of the body or requires constant systemic medication.
- 30%: Affects 20–40% or requires medication ≥6 weeks in a year.
- 10%: Affects 5–20% or requires medication <6 weeks in a year.
- 0%: Affects <5% or requires only topical treatments.
- Based on affected area or treatment.
Code 7813: Dermatophytosis (Ringworm)
- Definition: Fungal infection causing red, swollen patches.
- Rated as dermatitis (Code 7806) or scars.
Code 7820: Other Skin Infections
- Definition: Includes skin conditions not listed elsewhere.
- Rated as dermatitis (Code 7806) or scars.
Code 7825: Chronic Hives
- Definition: Persistent itchy bumps lasting ≥6 weeks.
- Ratings:
- 60%: ≥4 debilitating episodes uncontrolled by treatment.
- 30%: ≥4 debilitating episodes controlled by systemic medication.
- 10%: ≥4 episodes controlled by swelling medications.
Code 7827: Erythema Multiforme
- Definition: Severe reaction causing widespread skin rashes and organ failure.
- Ratings:
- 60%: ≥4 debilitating episodes uncontrolled by treatment.
- 30%: ≥4 episodes controlled by systemic medication.
- 10%: 2–3 episodes controlled by systemic medication.
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