Scars — VA Disability Rating & Claim Guide
This is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with a VSO or accredited claims agent.
Start a claim for Scars— free & guided
Step-by-step builder: add this and any related conditions, see the research, and get a package ready for a free VSO. No account needed to start.
The DBQ for Scars
Your C&P examiner fills out DBQ 21-0960F-1 (Scars/Disfigurement) — the form that decides your rating. You can have your own doctor complete the same DBQ and submit it as evidence.
What the examiner measures
- Location — head/face/neck scars are rated on 8 characteristics of disfigurement (DC 7800)
- Measured length × width and total area in square centimeters/inches
- Whether each scar is deep (underlying soft-tissue damage) or superficial
- Whether scars are unstable and/or painful — the number sets DC 7804 (1 = 10%, 2–3 = 20%, 5+ = 30%)
- Any limitation of function of the affected body part (DC 7805)
Have a C&P exam coming up? See exactly what the examiner will ask about Scars — and how to describe it.
Prep →2026 Compensation Rates
Monthly compensation for Scars, 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 Scars
Rating schedule under 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7800 (head/face/neck), 7801/7802 (other scars), 7804 (painful/unstable), 7805 (other effects). Criteria are simplified summaries; your specific rating depends on severity documented in your C&P exam.
One or two scars that are painful or unstable (DC 7804); or a head/face/neck scar with one characteristic of disfigurement (DC 7800); or a non-head/face/neck scar with underlying soft-tissue damage covering 6 to less than 12 square inches (DC 7801); or a superficial non-head/face/neck scar of 144 square inches or greater (DC 7802). Add 10 percent under DC 7804 if a scar is both unstable and painful.
Three or four scars that are painful or unstable (DC 7804); or a deep non-head/face/neck scar (with soft-tissue damage) covering 12 to less than 72 square inches (DC 7801).
Five or more scars that are painful or unstable (DC 7804); or a deep scar covering 72 to less than 144 square inches (DC 7801); or a head/face/neck scar with visible or palpable tissue loss and gross distortion or asymmetry of one feature, or with two or three characteristics of disfigurement (DC 7800).
A deep non-head/face/neck scar (with soft-tissue damage) covering 144 square inches or greater (DC 7801).
A head/face/neck scar with visible or palpable tissue loss and gross distortion or asymmetry of two features, or with four or five characteristics of disfigurement (DC 7800).
A head/face/neck scar with visible or palpable tissue loss and gross distortion or asymmetry of three or more features, or with six or more characteristics of disfigurement (DC 7800). Any disabling effect not covered above (for example, limited motion) is rated separately under DC 7805.
Verified against 38 CFR Part 4, the official VA rating schedule. Reviewed July 2026.
Will adding Scars raise your rating?
Enter your current combined rating and the level this condition would rate at. We'll do the VA math.
New combined
10%
New monthly
$180
Change
+$180
Rates shown are the 2026 veteran-alone amounts (no dependents). VA combines ratings with "whole-person" math and rounds to the nearest 10, so adding a condition does not simply add its percentage. Full combined-rating calculator with dependents →
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 Scars
These conditions are commonly claimed as secondary to Scars. A secondary condition can increase your overall combined rating and monthly compensation.
Scars as a Secondary Condition
Scars is commonly claimed secondary to these primary conditions:
Filing a Scarsclaim? Don't skip these.
Most veterans filing for Scars should also be looking at:
Quick calculator
Estimate your combined rating →
The VA doesn't add ratings — they use a specific formula. See your combined rating in 30 seconds.
Health care
Estimate your VA Priority Group →
Priority Group 1-8 determines what care you get and what it costs. Service-connected = lower copays, full access.
Where you live
Compare 50 state veteran benefits →
State property tax exemptions for SC vets vary 10x. Some states fully exempt 100%-rated vets, others give nothing.
Home buying
VA home loan + funding fee waiver →
ANY service-connected rating waives the funding fee. On a $400K loan that's ~$8,600 saved.
Other ways to work on your claim
›More Scars resources
Share this rating breakdown
A free, source-cited infographic of how the VA rates Scars. Save it and post it, or send it to someone who needs it. No fee, no catch.
Square format, ready for an Instagram or Facebook post.
Open / save the image →Sharing the page link also shows a wide preview card automatically.
Secondary Condition Claim Guides
Detailed guides on claiming each secondary condition linked to Scars.
Scars Claim Guide by State
Find state-specific VA facilities, veteran benefits, and filing resources.
More free tools
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 an independent planning tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, or any military branch.