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.
How the VA rates it
Count the scars that are painful and/or unstable: one or two rates 10 percent, three or four rates 20 percent, five or more rates 30 percent. An unstable scar is one with frequent loss of skin covering. If at least one scar is BOTH painful and unstable, add 10 percent to the rating based on the count (Note 2). Under Note 3, scars already rated for disfigurement or area under DCs 7800, 7801, 7802, or 7805 can ALSO receive a DC 7804 rating - painful-scar compensation stacks on top.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 30%Five or more scars that are unstable or painful. (Add 10 percent if one or more scars are both unstable and painful.)
Three or four scars that are unstable or painful.
One or two scars that are unstable or painful.
Secondary condition strategy
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Knee Replacement — Surgical scars from a service-connected knee replacement (or any joint surgery) that remain tender are routinely rated under DC 7804 as secondary.
- Hysterectomy — A painful abdominal surgical scar from a service-connected hysterectomy can be rated separately under DC 7804.
- Any service-connected surgery or wound — Every surgery for a service-connected condition can produce a scar; if the scar is painful or unstable it warrants its own rating.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Tell the examiner explicitly if a scar is tender or painful when touched - pain must be documented at the exam to count.
- Report every scar from service-connected surgeries or injuries, not just the biggest one - the rating is based on the total count (1-2, 3-4, or 5+).
- If skin over a scar repeatedly breaks down, blisters, or ulcerates, get that documented as an unstable scar; a scar that is both painful and unstable adds 10 percent.
- When filing for any surgery-related condition (knee replacement, hysterectomy, etc.), also claim the surgical scar - it is often missed.
Rating rules to know
Note 3 to DC 7804 expressly allows a painful/unstable scar rating to be combined with ratings under DCs 7800, 7801, 7802, or 7805 for the same scars - this is a rare exception where stacking is permitted.
Related diagnostic codes
More skin conditions
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%
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.