VA Rating Criteria — DC 7801
The VA rates Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage under Diagnostic Code 7801 across 4 severity levels, from 10% to 40%. The 40% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation. There are 1 documented secondary conditions linked to Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage.
Rating schedule — DC 7801 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 40%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.118
- Body system
- Skin Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 1
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 30%, 40%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
This diagnostic code covers a muscle group or general rating formula rather than a specific medical condition. The rating criteria below apply when the VA evaluates injuries to this muscle group.
What are the VA rating criteria for Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Area or areas of at least 6 square inches (39 sq. cm.) but less than 12 square inches (77 sq. cm.) Note: BSA = body surface area. Evaluate by Rule of Nines for initial area estimation. |
| 20% | Area or areas of at least 12 square inches (77 sq. cm.) but less than 72 square inches (465 sq. cm.) |
| 30% | Area or areas of at least 72 square inches (465 sq. cm.) but less than 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) |
| 40% | Area or areas of 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) or greater |
“Area or areas of at least 72 square inches (465 sq. cm.) but less than 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.)”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage?
View 1 secondary condition linked to Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage?
The VA rates Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage under Diagnostic Code 7801 at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Area or areas of at least 6 square inches (39 sq. cm.) but less than 12 square inches (77 sq. cm.). The maximum 40% rating requires: Area or areas of 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) or greater.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage?
The VA rates Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7801, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.118. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 40% rating for Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage?
A 10% rating requires: Area or areas of at least 6 square inches (39 sq. cm.) but less than 12 square inches (77 sq. cm.). A 40% rating requires: Area or areas of 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) or greater. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage qualify for TDIU?
Possibly. Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage maxes at 40%, which doesn't meet the single-disability TDIU threshold of 60% alone. However, if combined with other service-connected disabilities totaling 70%+ (with one at 40%+), TDIU under 38 CFR § 4.16(a) may apply. Extraschedular TDIU under § 4.16(b) is also available if the condition alone prevents work regardless of rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage?
The key evidence for Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage?
Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage is associated with 1 documented secondary condition. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage?
The C&P examiner uses a Skin Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7801 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
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