Erythroderma
The VA rates Erythroderma under Diagnostic Code 7817 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Rating schedule — DC 7817 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.118
- Body system
- Skin Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Erythroderma?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Any extent of involvement of the skin, and no more than topical therapy required over the past 12-month period |
| 10% | Any extent of involvement of the skin, and any of the following therapies required for a total duration of less than 6 weeks over the past 12-month period: systemic therapy such as therapeutic doses of corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive drugs, retinoids, PUVA, UVB treatments, biologics, or electron beam therapy |
| 30% | Any extent of involvement of the skin, and any of the following therapies required for a total duration of 6 weeks or more, but not constantly, over the past 12-month period: systemic therapy such as therapeutic doses of corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive drugs, retinoids, PUVA, UVB treatments, biologics, or electron beam therapy |
| 60% | No current treatment due to a documented history of treatment failure with 1 treatment regimen |
| 100% | Generalized involvement of the skin with systemic manifestations (such as fever, weight loss, or hypoproteinemia) AND one of the following |
“Any extent of involvement of the skin, and any of the following therapies required for a total duration of 6 weeks or more, but not constantly, over the past 12-month period: systemic therapy such as therapeutic doses of corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive drugs, retinoids, PUVA, UVB treatments, biologics, or electron beam therapy”
What other skin conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Erythroderma in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 7804Scar(s), unstable or painfulRated up to 30%
- 7805Scars, other; and other effects of scars evaluated under diagnostic codes 7800, 7801, 7802, or 7804Rated up to 60%
- 7806Dermatitis or eczemaRated up to 60%
- 7823VitiligoRated up to 10%
- 7825Chronic urticariaRated up to 60%
- 7826Vasculitis, primary cutaneousRated up to 60%
- 7827Erythema multiforme; Toxic epidermal necrolysisRated up to 60%
- 7828AcneRated up to 30%
- 7829ChloracneRated up to 30%
- 7830Scarring alopeciaRated up to 20%
Common Questions About Erythroderma VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Erythroderma?
The VA rates Erythroderma under Diagnostic Code 7817 at 0%, 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Any extent of involvement of the skin, and no more than topical therapy required over the past 12-month period. The maximum 100% rating requires: Generalized involvement of the skin with systemic manifestations (such as fever, weight loss, or hypoproteinemia) AND one of the following.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Erythroderma?
The VA rates Erythroderma under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7817, 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 0% and a 100% rating for Erythroderma?
A 0% rating requires: Any extent of involvement of the skin, and no more than topical therapy required over the past 12-month period. A 100% rating requires: Generalized involvement of the skin with systemic manifestations (such as fever, weight loss, or hypoproteinemia) AND one of the following. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Erythroderma qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Erythroderma alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Erythroderma?
The key evidence for Erythroderma 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.
What happens at the C&P exam for Erythroderma?
The C&P examiner uses a Skin Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7817 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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