Scar(s), unstable or painful
The VA rates Scar(s), unstable or painful under Diagnostic Code 7804 across 3 severity levels, from 10% to 30%. The 30% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 7804 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 30%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.118
- Body system
- Skin Conditions
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 30%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Scar(s), unstable or painful?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | One or two scars that are unstable or painful Note: Unstable scar = one that spontaneously breaks down (ulcerates) 3 or more times in 12 months without trauma. Painful scar = verified by examination findings. |
| 20% | Three or four scars that are unstable or painful |
| 30% | Five or more scars that are unstable or painful |
“Three or four scars that are unstable or painful”
Common Questions About Scar(s), unstable or painful VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Scar(s), unstable or painful?
The VA rates Scar(s), unstable or painful under Diagnostic Code 7804 at 10%, 20%, 30%. The minimum 10% rating requires: One or two scars that are unstable or painful. The maximum 30% rating requires: Five or more scars that are unstable or painful.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Scar(s), unstable or painful?
The VA rates Scar(s), unstable or painful under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7804, 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 30% rating for Scar(s), unstable or painful?
A 10% rating requires: One or two scars that are unstable or painful. A 30% rating requires: Five or more scars that are unstable or painful. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Scar(s), unstable or painful qualify for TDIU?
Scar(s), unstable or painful maxes at 30%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Scar(s), unstable or painful?
The key evidence for Scar(s), unstable or painful 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 Scar(s), unstable or painful?
The C&P examiner uses a Skin Conditions DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7804 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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