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
ย 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 includeย lymphomaย (Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s),ย lymphedema, andย immune disorders.
Interaction Between the Systems
ย ย
The Hemic and Lymphatic Systems are interconnected:
- Both are involved in immune responses.
- Theย lymphatic systemย aids in filtering pathogens from the blood (a hemic function).
- Bone marrow is a shared component for producing blood cells and lymphocytes.
ย
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 theย VASRD (Veterans Affairs Schedule for Rating Disabilities)ย 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 โค5 g/dL with symptoms like difficulty breathing or congestive heart failure.
- 70%: Hemoglobin โค7 g/dL with symptoms like an enlarged heart, high blood pressure, or fainting (at least 3 times in 6 months).
- 30%: Hemoglobin โค8 g/dL with symptoms like weakness, headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
- 10%: Hemoglobin โค10 g/dL with mild symptoms like weakness or fatigue.
- 0%: Hemoglobin โค10 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 asย anemia (Code 7700)ย orย aplastic anemia (Code 7716)ย 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 20,000โ70,000 without bleeding.
- 30%: Platelet count 70,000โ100,000, stable, and no bleeding.
- 0%: Platelet count โฅ100,000, 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-Hodgkinโs 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 โฅ144 inยฒ.
- 30%: Area 72โ144 inยฒ.
- 20%: Area 12โ72 inยฒ.
- 10%: Area 6โ12 inยฒ.
Code 7802: Superficial, Non-Linear Scars
- Definition: Scars affecting only the skin.
-
Ratings:
- 10%: Affected area โฅ144 inยฒ.
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 20โ40% or requires medication โฅ6 weeks in a year.
- 10%: Affects 5โ20% 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 asย dermatitis (Code 7806)ย or scars.
Code 7820: Other Skin Infections
- Definition: Includes skin conditions not listed elsewhere.
- Rated asย dermatitis (Code 7806)ย or scars.
Code 7825: Chronic Hives
- Definition: Persistent itchy bumps lasting โฅ6 weeks.
-
Ratings:
- 60%: โฅ4 debilitating episodes uncontrolled by treatment.
- 30%: โฅ4 debilitating episodes controlled by systemic medication.
- 10%: โฅ4 episodes controlled by swelling medications.
Code 7827: Erythema Multiforme
- Definition: Severe reaction causing widespread skin rashes and organ failure.
-
Ratings:
- 60%: โฅ4 debilitating episodes uncontrolled by treatment.
- 30%: โฅ4 episodes controlled by systemic medication.
- 10%: 2โ3 episodes controlled by systemic medication.
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