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.
How the VA rates it
DC 7800 rates on two tracks: (1) visible or palpable tissue loss with gross distortion or asymmetry of facial features (nose, chin, forehead, eyes, ears, cheeks, lips), or (2) how many of the 8 'characteristics of disfigurement' are present. The 8 characteristics are: scar 5 or more inches (13 cm) long; scar at least 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) wide; surface contour elevated or depressed; scar adherent to underlying tissue; hypo- or hyper-pigmented skin exceeding 6 square inches (39 sq cm); abnormal skin texture exceeding 6 square inches; missing underlying soft tissue exceeding 6 square inches; or indurated, inflexible skin exceeding 6 square inches. Raters must consider unretouched color photographs.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 80%Visible or palpable tissue loss with gross distortion or asymmetry of three or more features or paired sets of features (nose, chin, forehead, eyes, ears, cheeks, lips); or six or more characteristics of disfigurement.
Visible or palpable tissue loss with gross distortion or asymmetry of two features or paired sets of features; or four or five characteristics of disfigurement.
Visible or palpable tissue loss with gross distortion or asymmetry of one feature or paired set of features; or two or three characteristics of disfigurement.
One characteristic of disfigurement.
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.
- Major Depressive Disorder — Depression or social anxiety from visible facial disfigurement is commonly claimed as secondary.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Service-connected wounds, burns, or surgery of the head/face/neck — Any service-connected injury or surgical procedure in this area can produce a ratable disfiguring scar.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Submit unretouched, dated color photographs - Note 3 to DC 7800 requires VA to consider them.
- Have the scar measured precisely (length and maximum width) and its texture, contour, adherence, and pigmentation described - each documented characteristic of disfigurement matters.
- If the scar is also painful, claim DC 7804 too - it can be combined with the disfigurement rating.
- Ask the examiner to document any functional effects (eyelid, lip, or nostril distortion) - those can be rated separately under the appropriate code.
Rating rules to know
A painful or unstable head/face/neck scar can receive a separate DC 7804 rating in addition to the DC 7800 disfigurement rating. Disabling effects other than disfigurement (e.g., interference with eating or vision) are rated separately under the appropriate body system.
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%
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.
Rated up to 30%
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.