What happens during a C&P exam for Disfigurement from Scars?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Disfigurement from Scars

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Disfigurement from Scars?

Disfigurement from Scars (DC 7800) is rated at 0%, 10%, 30%, 60% under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7800. Less than 5 percent of the entire body or less than 5 percent of exposed areas affected, and no more than topical therapy required during the past 12-month period.

Q: What rates 0% for Disfigurement from Scars under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7800?

Under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7800 (DC 7800), a 0% rating for Disfigurement from Scars requires: Less than 5 percent of the entire body or less than 5 percent of exposed areas affected, and no more than topical therapy required during the past 12-month period.

Q: What rates 10% for Disfigurement from Scars under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7800?

Under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7800 (DC 7800), a 10% rating for Disfigurement from Scars requires: At least 5 percent but less than 20 percent of the entire body or at least 5 percent but less than 20 percent of exposed areas affected, or intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of less than six weeks during the past 12-month period.

Q: What rates 30% for Disfigurement from Scars under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7800?

Under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7800 (DC 7800), a 30% rating for Disfigurement from Scars requires: 20 to 40 percent of the entire body or 20 to 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or systemic therapy required for a total duration of six weeks or more but not constantly during the past 12-month period.

Q: What rates 60% for Disfigurement from Scars under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7800?

Under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7800 (DC 7800), a 60% rating for Disfigurement from Scars requires: More than 40 percent of the entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or constant or near-constant systemic therapy required during the past 12-month period.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Disfigurement from Scars VA claim?

Key evidence for a Disfigurement from Scars claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 780038 C.F.R. § 4.118

Diagnostic Code

DC 7800

38 C.F.R. § 4.118

Rating Range

0–60%

4 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Disfigurement from Scars is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7800 of 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7800 across 4 severity tiers (0% / 10% / 30% / 60%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Severe visible disfigurement from scars on the head, face, or neck, causing social and psychological impact

Rating Criteria

Less than 5 percent of the entire body or less than 5 percent of exposed areas affected, and no more than topical therapy required during the past 12-month period.

10%

At least 5 percent but less than 20 percent of the entire body or at least 5 percent but less than 20 percent of exposed areas affected, or intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of less than six weeks during the past 12-month period.

30%

20 to 40 percent of the entire body or 20 to 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or systemic therapy required for a total duration of six weeks or more but not constantly during the past 12-month period.

60%

More than 40 percent of the entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or constant or near-constant systemic therapy required during the past 12-month period.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

—Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

—Range of motion measurements

—Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

—Buddy statements describing limitations

—Prescription history

—Physical therapy records

—Employment impact documentation

04C&P Exam Tips

1Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
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