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.
How the VA rates it
DC 7805 itself assigns no fixed percentages - it directs VA to rate any disabling effect not already covered by DCs 7800-7804 (for example, limitation of motion from a tight, contracted scar) under the appropriate diagnostic code. The area-based tiers below come from DC 7801 (deep scars, meaning associated with underlying soft tissue damage) and DC 7802 (superficial scars, no underlying tissue damage). The body is divided into six zones (each extremity, anterior trunk, posterior trunk); each affected zone can be rated separately and combined, or areas can be added if that produces a higher single rating.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 40%Deep, nonlinear scars (DC 7801) covering an area of 144 square inches (929 sq cm) or more.
Deep, nonlinear scars (DC 7801) covering at least 72 but less than 144 square inches (465 to 929 sq cm).
Deep, nonlinear scars (DC 7801) covering at least 12 but less than 72 square inches (77 to 465 sq cm).
Deep, nonlinear scars (DC 7801) covering at least 6 but less than 12 square inches (39 to 77 sq cm); or superficial, nonlinear scars (DC 7802) covering 144 square inches (929 sq cm) or more.
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.
- Painful or Unstable Scars — The same scars rated by area here can also receive a separate DC 7804 rating if painful or unstable.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Any service-connected burn, wound, or surgery — Body scars from service-connected injuries and operations are rated under these codes.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Have each scar measured and described as deep (attached to or involving underlying tissue) or superficial - deep scars rate far higher per square inch.
- If scars span multiple body zones (an arm and the trunk, for example), ask that each zone be rated separately and combined - it usually pays more.
- Document any functional limits a scar causes (tightness restricting joint motion, nerve pain) - those are separately ratable under DC 7805.
- Also report pain or skin breakdown over any scar to pick up a combinable DC 7804 rating.
Rating rules to know
Ratings under 7801/7802 (area), 7804 (painful/unstable), and 7805 (other disabling effects) address different manifestations and can be combined; the same manifestation is not rated twice.
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%
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%
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.