Group of bone marrow disorders causing ineffective blood cell production and risk of progression to acute leukemia. Cells don't mature properly causing cytopenias. Symptoms include anemia (fatigue, dyspnea), thrombocytopenia (bleeding), neutropenia (infections). Risk stratification guides treatment from supportive care to stem cell transplant.
Requiring peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant or chemotherapy (100% for 6 months post-treatment, then re-evaluate). If progresses to leukemia, evaluate as leukemia under DC 7703.
Requiring 4 or more blood or platelet transfusions per 12-month period; or infections requiring hospitalization 3 or more times per year
Requiring 1-3 blood or platelet transfusions per 12-month period; infections requiring hospitalization 1-2 times per year; or requiring biologic therapy/erythropoietin-stimulating agent ≤12 weeks per year
Low-risk MDS requiring observation only
Medical Evidence
Current diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider, medical records documenting symptoms and treatment history
Service Connection
Evidence linking your condition to military service (service treatment records, incident reports, or nexus letter)
Personal Statement
Your detailed account of how myelodysplastic syndromes affects your daily life and when symptoms began
Lay Evidence
Buddy letters from fellow service members or family who can corroborate your symptoms
During your Compensation & Pension exam for myelodysplastic syndromes, examiners will assess your symptoms against the rating criteria above.
Be specific: Describe your worst day, not your average day
Document everything: Bring copies of all medical records and evidence
Functional impact: Explain how symptoms affect work, sleep, and daily activities
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