Skin Conditions
(38 CFR § 4.118 – Schedule of Ratings, Skin)
The VA evaluates most skin conditions based on:
- Percentage of total body area affected
- Percentage of exposed areas affected (face, neck, hands)
- Type and duration of treatment
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Systemic therapy (oral or injected medications)
The diagnosis (eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.) is often less important than coverage and treatment severity.
General Rating Structure (Dermatitis / Eczema – DC 7806)
This structure applies to many inflammatory skin conditions.
Important Concepts
Exposed Areas Matter More
Face, neck, and hands often drive higher ratings even if total body coverage is smaller.
Systemic vs Topical Treatment
- Topical creams only → usually lower rating
- Oral steroids, biologics, injections → higher rating potential
- Duration of systemic treatment matters
Scars and Disfigurement
If a skin condition causes:
- Painful scars
- Unstable scars
- Facial disfigurement
- Deep tissue damage
It may be rated separately under scar codes (DC 7800–7805).
Common Skin Conditions the VA Rates
- Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Urticaria
- Acne
- Chloracne
- Fungal infections
- Vitiligo
- Scarring conditions
- Skin cancers (separately rated under malignant codes)
Step 1. Helpful Videos
Please review the video’s that demonstrate the range of motion.
Dermatitis / Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy skin, redness, and rashes
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes thick, scaly plaques on areas such as the scalp, elbows, hands, knees, and legs. The VA evaluates psoriasis based on which body areas are affected and how much of the skin surface is involved.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition that causes loss of skin pigment, creating lighter patches with normal texture. The VA evaluates vitiligo based on which body areas are affected and how much of the skin surface shows depigmentation, especially in exposed areas such as the face and hands.
Scars
Scars are permanent skin changes caused by injury or surgery. The VA evaluates scars based on their location, size, appearance, and whether they cause pain or limit movement, especially when scars are located on visible or functional areas of the body.
Step 2
Review the Key Factors:
Documentation is Critical
Diagnostic codes covered by Skin
- 7800 Disfigurement of head, face, neck
- 7801–7805 Scars (size, pain, instability, function)
- 7806 Dermatitis / Eczema
- 7813 Dermatophytosis
- 7816 Psoriasis
- 7818–7819 Skin neoplasms
- 7823 Vitiligo (max 10%)
- 7828 Acne
- 7829 Chloracne
Scars
Compensable if any apply:
- Painful
- Unstable (frequent skin breakdown)
- Large surface area
- Limits function
- Causes facial disfigurement
Painful scars can be compensable even if small
VA must consider flare-ups, even if exam occurs during remission.
Accepted evidence:
- Lay statements
- Photos
- Medical records
- Witness statements
Step 3:
Continue with the quiz for your skin condition(s). You can select more than 1 skin condition.
When completed, you will view the results of your quiz.