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.
How the VA rates it
Rated under the General Rating Formula for the Skin, the same formula as eczema: percentage of the entire body or of exposed areas affected, or total duration of systemic therapy (corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, PUVA, or other immunosuppressive drugs) over the past 12 months, whichever is higher. Many modern psoriasis treatments (methotrexate, biologics such as adalimumab or ustekinumab) are systemic therapy - continuous use of a biologic supports the 60 percent level. The note to DC 7816 requires complications like psoriatic arthritis and nail or oral involvement to be rated separately.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 60%Characteristic lesions covering more than 40 percent of the entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas; or constant or near-constant systemic therapy (corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, PUVA, or other immunosuppressive drugs) required over the past 12 months.
Lesions covering 20 to 40 percent of the entire body or of exposed areas; or systemic therapy required for a total of 6 weeks or more, but not constantly, over the past 12 months.
Lesions covering at least 5 percent but less than 20 percent of the entire body or of exposed areas; or intermittent systemic therapy totaling less than 6 weeks over the past 12 months.
Less than 5 percent of the entire body or of exposed areas affected, and no more than topical therapy required over the past 12 months.
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.
- Psoriatic arthritis — Rated separately from the skin disease per the note to DC 7816; joint involvement can be worth more than the skin rating.
- Major Depressive Disorder — Depression and social impairment from visible chronic skin disease are commonly claimed as secondary.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- PTSD — Stress is a recognized trigger for psoriasis flares; aggravation of psoriasis by service-connected mental health conditions is sometimes claimed, with a supporting medical opinion.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- If you take a biologic or methotrexate continuously, submit those prescription records - constant systemic therapy supports 60 percent regardless of current skin coverage.
- Have your dermatologist chart body-surface-area percentages for total and exposed skin during a flare.
- If you have joint pain, get evaluated for psoriatic arthritis - it is rated separately and can add substantial compensation.
- Photograph plaques with dates, especially during flares and on exposed areas.
Rating rules to know
The skin rating and a psoriatic arthritis rating do not overlap and can be combined. Psoriasis can alternatively be rated as disfigurement or scars if that is the predominant disability.
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%
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.