A group of cancers in which the bone marrow does not produce healthy mature red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Therefore, there is a deficiency of any type of blood cell. These syndromes are sometimes referred to as "pre-leukemia."

Some myelodysplastic syndromes have no known cause. Others are caused by exposure to cancer treatments or antineoplastic drugs, exposure to radiation or other toxic chemicals, or exposure to heavy metals.

Since MDS is related to shortages of blood cell types, symptoms may be related to the type of blood cell that is low in count.

• Low red blood cells - feeling tired, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath and pale skin

• Low white blood cells - frequent or severe infections

• Low platelets - bruising or bleeding, frequent or severe nosebleeds, or bleeding from the gums

Other symptoms include:

• weight loss

• fever

• bone pain

• loss of appetite

Tests may include complete blood count (CBC), blood serum chemistry, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Treatment for myelodysplastic syndromes includes slowing disease progression, managing symptoms (such as fatigue), and preventing bleeding and infections. Treatment measures may include:

• blood or platelet transfusions

• medications such as biologics or erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA)

• peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplantation

• chemotherapy

During chemotherapy treatment, the person may have complications that include:

• anorexia

• nausea

• vomiting

• mouth ulcers

• alopecia

• fatigue

• bone marrow depression

The person should be monitored while treatment is taking place. Counseling may be needed for emotional support. Some may experience side effects or residuals of biologics or ESA. Some individuals with myelodysplastic syndromes that may progress to leukemia.

• Consider service connection on a presumptive basis as a condition associated with exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune (38 CFR 3.307(a)(7); §3.307(d); §3.309(f)).

• If the condition progresses to leukemia, evaluate as leukemia under diagnostic code 7703.

• A 100 percent evaluation shall be assigned as of the date of hospital admission for peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant, or during the period of treatment with chemotherapy, and shall continue with a mandatory VA examination six months following hospital discharge or, in the case of chemotherapy treatment, six months after completion of treatment. Any reduction in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination shall be subject to the provisions of 38 CFR 3.105(e). If there has been no recurrence, residuals will be rated under the appropriate diagnostic codes.