Melanoma (Malignant) — VA Disability Rating & Claim Guide
This is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with a VSO or accredited claims agent.
Sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (rating schedule), VA.gov disability, PubMed evidence
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Prep →2026 Compensation Rates
Monthly compensation for Melanoma (Malignant), based on your overall combined VA disability rating.
| Rating | Monthly (Alone) | Monthly (w/ Spouse) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 | — | $2,165.04 |
| 20% | $356.66 | — | $4,279.92 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | $6,629.64 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 | $9,550.08 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | $13,594.80 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 | $17,220.24 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.45 | $21,701.40 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 | $25,225.80 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.30 | $28,347.60 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | $47,262.96 |
Common Symptoms
Document these symptoms in your claim. The more thoroughly you describe how they affect your daily life, the stronger your claim.
Functional Limitations
VA rates disabilities based on how they limit your ability to function. Describe these limitations in your personal statement.
Rating Criteria for Melanoma (Malignant)
Rating schedule under 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7833 (malignant melanoma). Criteria are simplified summaries; your specific rating depends on severity documented in your C&P exam.
A 100% evaluation is assigned from the date of onset of treatment only when the malignancy requires therapy comparable to that used for systemic malignancies (systemic chemotherapy, X-ray therapy more extensive than to the skin, or surgery more extensive than wide local excision). It continues with a mandatory VA examination six months after completion of such antineoplastic treatment. If treatment is confined to the skin, this 100% provision does not apply.
Otherwise (and after the mandatory examination if there has been no local recurrence or metastasis), melanoma is rated on its residuals: as scars (DC 7801, 7802, 7803, 7804, or 7805), as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800), or as impairment of function under the appropriate body system. The resulting percentage depends on the severity of those residuals.
Verified against 38 CFR Part 4, the official VA rating schedule. Reviewed July 2026.
Evidence Checklist
Gather these types of evidence before filing your claim. The strongest claims include multiple evidence types.
Common Treatments
Documenting ongoing treatment strengthens your claim and supports higher ratings.
Secondary Conditions Linked to Melanoma (Malignant)
These conditions are commonly claimed as secondary to Melanoma (Malignant). A secondary condition can increase your overall combined rating and monthly compensation.
Filing a Melanoma (Malignant)claim? Don't skip these.
Most veterans filing for Melanoma (Malignant) should also be looking at:
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Secondary Condition Claim Guides
Detailed guides on claiming each secondary condition linked to Melanoma (Malignant).
Melanoma (Malignant) Claim Guide by State
Find state-specific VA facilities, veteran benefits, and filing resources.
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Educational content, not professional advice
This article is published by Military Transition Toolkit for educational and planning purposes. It is not legal, medical, or financial advice. VA rating criteria, benefits, and regulations change — verify anything benefits-affecting against VA.gov, 38 CFR Part 4, or a VA-accredited representative (VSO, agent, or attorney) before filing.
MTT is a veteran-owned planning tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, or any military branch.