Acne
Service-connected acne is rated on whether it is deep (inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) and how much of the face and neck it affects, topping out at 30 percent - or it can be rated as disfigurement or scarring if that is worse.
How the VA rates it
DC 7828 distinguishes superficial acne (comedones, papules, pustules - always 0 percent regardless of extent) from deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts). Deep acne affecting 40 percent or more of the face and neck rates 30 percent; deep acne affecting less than 40 percent of the face and neck, or located elsewhere on the body, rates 10 percent. Alternatively, acne can be rated as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800) or as scars (DCs 7801, 7802, 7804, 7805) if that produces a higher rating - acne scarring is often the bigger disability.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 30%Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting 40 percent or more of the face and neck.
Deep acne affecting less than 40 percent of the face and neck, or deep acne on areas other than the face and neck.
Superficial acne (comedones, papules, pustules) of any extent.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Disfiguring Scars of the Head, Face, or Neck — Severe cystic acne often leaves facial scarring that can be rated under DC 7800 instead if it rates higher.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Medication side effects — Acne caused or aggravated by medications for service-connected conditions (e.g., steroids, lithium, some anticonvulsants) can be claimed as secondary.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Get your dermatologist to characterize the acne as deep (nodules/cysts) versus superficial in the record - superficial acne rates 0 percent no matter how widespread.
- Have the percentage of face and neck involvement estimated and charted; 40 percent is the line between 10 and 30 percent.
- If acne has left permanent scarring, ask VA to consider rating under DC 7800 (disfigurement) or the scar codes instead - that route can exceed 30 percent.
- Chloracne from herbicide (Agent Orange) exposure is rated under DC 7829 and is presumptive if it appeared to a compensable degree within one year of the last exposure.
Filing notes
If your acne-like eruption followed herbicide exposure, ask about chloracne (DC 7829), which is an Agent Orange presumptive condition when it became at least 10 percent disabling within one year after the last date of exposure.
Related diagnostic codes
More skin conditions
Painful or Unstable Scars
Scars that are painful or unstable (skin repeatedly breaks down over them) are rated under DC 7804 based simply on how many qualifying scars you have. This is one of the most commonly added ratings after any service-connected surgery or injury.
Rated up to 30%
Eczema (Dermatitis)
Eczema (dermatitis) causes itchy, inflamed, recurring skin rashes. VA rates it on how much of your body or exposed skin is affected, or on how much systemic (internal) therapy you need each year.
Rated up to 60%
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease causing thick, scaly plaques. VA rates it on the percentage of body or exposed skin affected, or on how much systemic therapy (including biologics) you need per year; psoriatic arthritis is rated separately.
Rated up to 60%
Other Scars (Body Scars)
Scars on the body (not head, face, or neck) are rated by surface area if they are nonlinear: deep scars under DC 7801 (up to 40 percent) and superficial scars under DC 7802 (10 percent). DC 7805 catches any other disabling effect of a scar, rated under the appropriate body-system code.
Rated up to 40%
Disfiguring Scars of the Head, Face, or Neck
Scars or other disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (from burns, wounds, or surgery) are rated on visible tissue loss, distortion of facial features, and specific 'characteristics of disfigurement' such as length, width, and skin changes.
Rated up to 80%
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.