DC 7828Skin38 CFR § 4.118Last verified: APR 8, 2026

Acne — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7828)

The VA rates Acne under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.118, Diagnostic Code 7828, from 0% to 30% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 30% rating requires Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting 40 percent or more of the face and neck. Related conditions in the Skin body system share this rating framework.

What are the VA rating criteria for Acne?

0%Disability Rating

Superficial acne (comedones, papules, pustules) of any extent

10%Disability Rating

Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting less than 40 percent of the face and neck, or deep acne other than on the face and neck

30%Disability Rating

Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting 40 percent or more of the face and neck

“Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting less than 40 percent of the face and neck, or deep acne other than on the face and neck”
— 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.118, Diagnostic Code 7828 (10% tier)

How does the VA rate Skin conditions?

Alopecia areataDC 7831
Burn scar(s) of the head, face, or neck; scar(s) of the head, face, or neck due to other causes; or other disfigurement of the head, face, or neckDC 7800
Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damageDC 7801
Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are not associated with underlying soft tissue damageDC 7802
ChloracneDC 7829
Chronic urticariaDC 7825

Common Questions About Acne VA Ratings

What is the VA disability rating for Acne?

The VA rates Acne under Diagnostic Code 7828 at the following tiers: 0%, 10%, 30%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Superficial acne (comedones, papules, pustules) of any extent. The maximum 30% rating requires: Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting 40 percent or more of the face and neck.

What is Diagnostic Code 7828?

Diagnostic Code 7828 is the VA rating identifier for Acne within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.118. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

What is the highest rating for Acne?

The highest schedular rating for Acne under DC 7828 is 30%. This tier requires: Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting 40 percent or more of the face and neck. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Acne alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

What 38 CFR section governs Acne ratings?

Acne is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.118, Diagnostic Code 7828. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Which conditions are commonly secondary to Acne?

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Acne may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Acne?

Service connection for Acne requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.

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