How the VA Rates Acne
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7828 criteria a VA rater evaluates Acne against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
38 CFR Part 4, DC 7828
Acne · 3 levels
- 30%$552.47a month
- 10%$180.42a month
- 0%$0 · still service-connected
2026 VA rates (effective December 1, 2025), veteran alone, as the only rated condition. VA decides the level.
Key facts
- Regulation
- 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7828
- Diagnostic code
- 7828
- Levels in the schedule
- 0% · 10% · 30%
- Top level (30%) pays
- $552.47/month2026, veteran alone
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7828 for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.
- 30%
$552.47/month
Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting 40 percent or more of the face and neck.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Deep nodulocystic acne over 40% or more of the face and neck
- Significant scarring or active cystic lesions
- 10%
$180.42/month
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.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Deep, inflamed nodules or pus-filled cysts
- Less than 40% of the face and neck involved, or
- Deep acne on the trunk/other areas
- 0%
$0/month (0% is still service-connected)
Superficial acne (comedones, papules, pustules, superficial cysts) of any extent.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Surface-level acne (blackheads, whiteheads, small bumps)
- No deep nodules or cysts
The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.
C&P exam tips for Acne
- 1What wins this rating: the exam should document whether acne is 'superficial' or 'deep' (nodulocystic) and the percentage of the face and neck involved — deep acne over ≥40% of face/neck reaches 30%.
- 2Chloracne (linked to herbicide exposure) is rated under this code and may be presumptive for qualifying veterans.
- 3Note resulting scarring, which may be separately rated under the scar codes (DC 7800/7804).
Common mistakes on Acne claims
- Not distinguishing deep (nodulocystic) acne from superficial acne — only deep acne is compensable.
- Not documenting the percentage of face/neck affected.
- Forgetting to claim disfiguring scars separately.
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for Acne?
Acne is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7828 — diagnostic code 7828.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for Acne?
30% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Acne. The criteria at that level describe: Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting 40 percent or more of the face and neck.
How much does a 30% VA rating for Acne pay in 2026?
$552.47 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.
Build your Acne claim documentation
Your first claim builds free, on screen — a personal statement mapped to these criteria and a cited draft medical opinion. No card to sign up.
Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.