How VA rates scars and disfigurement
VA rates head/face/neck disfigurement under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7800; scars with underlying soft-tissue damage by area under DC 7801; superficial scars by area under DC 7802; painful or unstable scars under DC 7804; and other disabling effects under DC 7805.
Rating criteria from the tool data
| Rating | What VA looks for |
|---|---|
| 10–80% | DC 7800: head, face, or neck disfigurement based on tissue loss, asymmetry, and characteristics of disfigurement |
| 10–40% | DC 7801: non-head/face/neck scars with underlying soft-tissue damage, based on area |
| 10% | DC 7802: qualifying superficial area totaling at least 144 square inches |
| 10/20/30% | DC 7804: one or two, three or four, or five or more painful or unstable scars |
DBQ and symptom topics to review
Review these topics against your own records and symptoms. Do not exaggerate or minimize; describe functional impact accurately.
- One or two painful or unstable scars10%DC 7804
- Three or four painful or unstable scars20%DC 7804
- Five or more painful or unstable scars30%DC 7804
- Head, face, or neck scar with one characteristic of disfigurement10%DC 7800
What may happen in the exam room
- Measure length, width, and total area
- Palpate contour and adherence
- Inspect stability, pain, pigmentation, texture, and tissue loss
- Photograph head/face/neck disfigurement when appropriate
- Test motion or other function affected by the scar
Measurements and findings to understand
- Centimeters and square centimeters
- Body zone and whether underlying soft tissue is damaged
- Number painful or unstable
- Each characteristic of disfigurement
- Separate functional effects
Questions the examiner may cover
- Is the scar painful?
- Does skin covering break down repeatedly?
- Is it adherent or associated with tissue loss?
- Does it limit motion or other function?
Functional-impact language to think through
Use plain, truthful wording that matches your records and daily limitations. These examples are prompts for accuracy, not scripts.
- Identify each painful or unstable scar.
- Describe pulling, sensitivity, breakdown, or motion restriction.
- Explain changes over time and during flare-ups.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Counting scars without describing pain or instability
- Not measuring area
- Combining dermatitis with a separate scar evaluation
Evidence to organize before the exam
- Scars/Disfigurement DBQ
- Dated photographs
- Operative and wound-care records
- Measurements from treatment notes
Preparation notes
- Point out every scar being claimed.
- Explain function accurately; do not rely on appearance alone.
Important context
Additional scar rules: Under DC 7804, if at least one scar is both unstable and painful, 10% is added to the evaluation based on the total number of unstable or painful scars. The example selector does not calculate this addition or combine body zones, disfigurement, area-based ratings, and distinct functional effects. Those findings require individual review.
Official rating source
38 CFR 4.118, DCs 7800-7805. Checked 2026-09-04. Educational preparation only; not a personal rating.