VA Disability Rating for Skin Conditions: Complete Guide to Getting Your Claim Approved

Bottom Line Up Front

Skin conditions are rated under Diagnostic Codes 7800-7833 with ratings from 0% to 60% (or higher for disfigurement). Common conditions include eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and acne. Ratings are based on percentage of body affected, percentage of exposed areas affected, and type of treatment required (topical vs. systemic). Some skin conditions are presumptive for Agent Orange and PACT Act (burn pit) exposure. The key evidence is dermatology evaluation documenting body surface area involved and treatment. Claims typically take 3-6 months.

Common Skin Conditions

Eczema/Dermatitis (DC 7806)

• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Nummular eczema

Psoriasis (DC 7816)

• Plaque psoriasis
• Guttate psoriasis
• Inverse psoriasis
• Pustular psoriasis

Other Conditions

• Acne (DC 7828)
• Scars (DC 7800-7805) - separate rating guide available
• Urticaria/Hives (DC 7825)
• Chloracne (DC 7829) - Agent Orange presumptive
• Skin cancer (various codes)

Military connections:

Direct Service Connection

• Onset during service
• Environmental exposures (chemicals, sun, climate)
• Stress-induced flares
• Contact with irritants

Presumptive Conditions

• Chloracne: Agent Orange presumptive (must manifest within 1 year)
• Skin cancer: Agent Orange and PACT Act presumptive (certain types)

Secondary Service Connection

• Secondary to medications
• Secondary to diabetes (skin complications)
• Secondary to immune conditions

VA Rating Criteria

DC 7806 - Dermatitis/Eczema (Also used for many other skin conditions)

Rating	Criteria
0%	Less than 5% of entire body OR exposed areas affected, AND no more than topical therapy required during past 12 months
10%	At least 5%, but less than 20%, of entire body OR exposed areas affected; OR intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months
30%	20 to 40% of entire body OR exposed areas affected; OR systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of 6 weeks or more, but not constantly, during the past 12 months
60%	More than 40% of entire body OR exposed areas affected; OR constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required during the past 12 months

DC 7816 - Psoriasis

Uses the same rating criteria as dermatitis (DC 7806).

DC 7828 - Acne

Rating	Criteria
0%	Superficial acne (comedones, papules, pustules, superficial cysts) of any extent
10%	Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting less than 40% of face and neck, or deep acne other than on face and neck
30%	Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting 40% or more of face and neck

Note: Acne with scarring can be rated under scar codes for disfigurement.

DC 7829 - Chloracne

Uses dermatitis rating criteria (DC 7806). Agent Orange presumptive.

DC 7825 - Urticaria (Hives)

Rating	Criteria
10%	Requiring continuous or near-continuous treatment with antihistamines or sympathomimetics
30%	Recurrent episodes occurring at least 4 times during past 12 months requiring immunosuppressive drugs for control, OR more than 50% of body surface area affected, OR no response to antihistamines
60%	Recurrent debilitating episodes occurring at least 4 times during past 12 months despite continuous immunosuppressive therapy

Understanding Key Terms

Exposed Areas: Face, neck, hands—areas visible in normal dress.

Systemic Therapy: Oral or injected medications (prednisone, methotrexate, biologics), NOT topical creams.

Body Surface Area (BSA): Percentage of skin affected. The "Rule of Nines" is often used:

• Head/neck: 9%
• Each arm: 9%
• Anterior trunk: 18%
• Posterior trunk: 18%
• Each leg: 18%
• Genitals: 1%

Evidence You Need

Service Connection Evidence

• Service treatment records showing skin complaints
• Documentation of environmental exposures
• Buddy statements about in-service symptoms
• Photos from service showing skin conditions

Current Diagnosis Evidence

• Dermatology evaluation
• Specific diagnosis
• Body surface area affected (documented with percentages)
• Photos of affected areas

Severity Evidence

• Treatment records showing medications used
• Documentation of systemic therapy (and duration)
• Flare frequency
• Impact on daily life

C&P Exam: What to Expect

The examiner will:

1. Examine all affected skin areas
2. Calculate body surface area involved
3. Document exposed areas affected
4. Review treatment history
5. Identify specific diagnosis
6. May take photos

Important Tips:

Schedule exam during flare: If possible, request your exam when your condition is active, not during remission. Call to reschedule if needed.

What to tell them:

• All affected areas (don't forget scalp, groin, feet)
• Treatment history (especially systemic medications)
• How long you've taken oral steroids or other systemic drugs
• Frequency of flares
• Impact on work and daily life

Bring to exam:

• List of all medications (topical AND systemic)
• Duration of systemic treatment in past 12 months
• Photos of condition during flares

Secondary Conditions

Skin conditions can be secondary to:

• Diabetes (skin manifestations)
• Medications for other conditions
• Stress from PTSD/mental health conditions
• Immune disorders

Skin conditions can cause:

• Depression/anxiety (appearance, chronic condition)
• Sleep disturbance (itching)
• Social isolation

Personal Statement Template

---

Personal Statement for Skin Condition

I, [Full Name], submit this statement for [specific skin condition].

Service Connection: My skin condition began [during service/after exposure to (specify)].

[For Agent Orange/presumptive]: I served in Vietnam/[qualifying location] from [dates] and developed chloracne/[condition].

[For direct]: During service, I was exposed to [chemicals, environment] which caused my skin condition.

Affected Areas: My skin condition affects the following areas:

• [List all areas: face, neck, hands, arms, trunk, legs, scalp, etc.]
• Estimated body surface area: [X]%
• Exposed areas affected: [X]%

Symptoms:

• Rash appearance: [describe]
• Itching: [severity, impact on sleep]
• Pain: [if applicable]
• Flaking/scaling: [describe]
• Flare frequency: [how often]

Treatment in Past 12 Months:

Topical treatments:

• [List creams, ointments]

Systemic treatments (oral/injected):

• [Medication name]: [dose, duration of use]
• Total weeks of systemic therapy in past 12 months: [X weeks]

Functional Impact:

• Appearance: [embarrassment, social impact]
• Work: [limitations, missed days]
• Sleep: [affected by itching]
• Daily activities: [limitations]

I certify these statements are true.

[Signature] [Date]

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as "systemic therapy"?

Oral medications (like prednisone, methotrexate) or injected medications (like biologics). Topical creams do NOT count as systemic therapy.

Does it matter where the skin condition is located?

Yes. The criteria consider both total body surface area AND exposed areas (face, neck, hands). Higher percentages in either category can lead to higher ratings.

What if my condition comes and goes?

Track flare frequency and duration. If possible, schedule your C&P exam during an active flare. Document with photos and treatment records.

Is chloracne presumptive?

Yes, chloracne is presumptive for Agent Orange exposure, BUT it must have manifested within one year of last exposure.

Can I claim skin cancer?

Yes. Some skin cancers are presumptive for Agent Orange and PACT Act (burn pit) exposure. Other skin cancers can be claimed with a nexus opinion.

What if I have scarring from my skin condition?

Scarring can be rated separately under scar codes (DC 7800-7805) if it causes disfigurement or functional impairment.

Presumptive Skin Conditions

Agent Orange

• Chloracne (within 1 year of exposure)
• Certain skin cancers

PACT Act (Burn Pit)

• Certain skin cancers for qualifying veterans

Resources

VA Forms:

• DBQ Skin Diseases
• VA Form 21-526EZ

VA Rating Information:

• 38 CFR § 4.118 - Skin

---

This guide is for informational purposes only. Every claim is unique—consult with an accredited claims agent for personalized guidance.

---

Sources: VA Disability Compensation, 38 CFR Part 4, Veterans Benefits Administration