Conditions / Skin
38 CFR 4.118, diagnostic code 7800 · checked 2026-10-20
VA rating for Scars of the head, face or neck
VA rates Scars of the head, face or neck under diagnostic code 7800 (Burn scar(s) of the head, face or neck; scar(s) of the head, face or neck due to other causes; or other disfigurement) at 4 levels from 10% to 80%. The lowest paid level, 10%, is worth $180.42 a month and the highest, 80%, $2,102.15 to a veteran alone at the rates effective December 1, 2025.
- 1Diagnostic code DC 7800
- 2Highest level 80% · $2,102.15
- 3Lowest paid level 10% · $180.42
Rating criteria for DC 7800
| Rating | What the schedule requires |
|---|---|
| 80% | Visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of three or more features or paired sets of features, or six or more characteristics of disfigurement. |
| 50% | Visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of two features or paired sets of features, or four or five characteristics of disfigurement. |
| 30% | Visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of one feature or paired set of features, or two or three characteristics of disfigurement. |
| 10% | One characteristic of disfigurement. |
Summarized from eCFR, 38 CFR 4.118 Schedule of ratings, skin, diagnostic code 7800, checked 2026-10-20. The regulation's own wording governs.
Notes in the schedule
- Features are the nose, chin, forehead, eyes (including eyelids), ears (auricles), cheeks and lips.
- The eight characteristics of disfigurement: scar 5 or more inches (13 cm) long; scar at least one-quarter inch (0.6 cm) wide at its widest part; surface contour elevated or depressed on palpation; scar adherent to underlying tissue; skin hypo- or hyper-pigmented in an area exceeding six square inches (39 sq cm); skin texture abnormal in an area exceeding six square inches; underlying soft tissue missing in an area exceeding six square inches; skin indurated and inflexible in an area exceeding six square inches.
- Other disabling effects, such as pain or muscle or nerve injury, are rated separately and combined.
What each level pays
| Level | Alone | With spouse | With tinnitus 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 | 82 → 80% |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | 55 → 60% |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | 37 → 40% |
| 10% | $180.42 | $180.42 | 19 → 20% |
3 of the 4 compensable levels are 30% or higher, where dependents raise the payment; below that the rate is flat. The spread from the lowest paid level to the highest is $1,921.73 a month. The last column shows the combined rating if this condition is joined by a 10% tinnitus rating.
How this rating fits a claim
The top level, 80%, is at or above the 60% that 38 CFR 4.16(a) sets for a single disability to qualify for consideration of a total rating based on unemployability. A rating under DC 7800 is combined with every other rating by Table I, never added; the calculator shows the result with your other ratings and dependents.
The rating is set from the evidence at the time of the decision, usually including a VA examination. If the condition has worsened since, VA accepts a claim for an increase on VA Form 21-526EZ; see how to request an increase.
Related conditions
- Deep scars (not head, face or neck) (DC 7801)
- Painful or unstable scars (DC 7804)
- Eczema (dermatitis) (DC 7806)
Pay at the top level: 80% VA pay. At the lowest paid level: 10% VA pay.
Rating Ledger is not part of VA and does not file or decide claims. Amounts are VA's published monthly rates effective December 1, 2025 for a veteran, before any deduction or special monthly compensation; ratings follow 38 CFR 4.25 and 38 CFR 4.26 and 38 CFR 4.118, diagnostic code 7800. Last checked 2026-10-20. Only a VA rating decision sets a rating or a payment. See the methodology.