How the VA Rates Dermatitis
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7806 criteria a VA rater evaluates Dermatitis against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
Diagnostic code 7806
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7806 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.
0%
$0/month (0% is still service-connected)
Affects less than 5 percent of the entire body or less than 5 percent of exposed areas, and no more than topical therapy was required over the past 12 months.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Less than 5% of body or exposed skin involved
- Controlled with topical creams only
10%
$180.42/month
Affects 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; OR intermittent systemic therapy (corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs) for a total duration of less than 6 weeks over the past 12 months.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- 5–20% of body or exposed areas affected, or
- Systemic (oral) steroids/immunosuppressants <6 weeks/year
- Recurrent flares requiring treatment
30%
$552.47/month
Affects 20 to 40 percent of the entire body, or 20 to 40 percent of exposed areas; OR systemic therapy (corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs) for a total duration of 6 weeks or more, but not constantly, over the past 12 months.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- 20–40% of body or exposed areas affected, or
- Systemic therapy ≥6 weeks/year (but not constant)
- Frequent flares with significant skin involvement
60%
$1,435.02/month
Affects more than 40 percent of the entire body, or more than 40 percent of exposed areas; OR constant or near-constant systemic therapy (corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs) over the past 12 months.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- More than 40% of body or exposed areas affected, or
- Constant/near-constant systemic therapy
- Severe, widespread, treatment-resistant disease
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.
The evidence that matters most
Documentation of body-surface-area affected during a flare and the type/duration of therapy — systemic (not just topical) treatment drives the higher levels
C&P exam tips for Dermatitis
- What wins this rating: the exam must document the PERCENT of body and exposed-area coverage AND the type and duration of treatment over the past year — systemic (oral) therapy duration is a key driver.
- Schedule the exam during a flare if possible — coverage is measured at the time of exam.
- Bring prescription records showing oral steroid/immunosuppressant courses and their durations.
- Distinguish 'topical' from 'systemic' treatment clearly — only systemic therapy counts for the higher tiers.
Common mistakes on Dermatitis claims
- Being examined when skin is clear, so coverage reads as minimal — note your typical flare extent and bring flare photos.
- Not documenting systemic therapy duration (weeks per year).
- Confusing topical steroids with systemic therapy — only systemic counts toward 30–60%.
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for Dermatitis?
Dermatitis is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7806 — diagnostic code 7806.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for Dermatitis?
60% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Dermatitis. The criteria at that level describe: Affects more than 40 percent of the entire body, or more than 40 percent of exposed areas; OR constant or near-constant systemic therapy (corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs) over the past 12 months.
How much does a 60% VA rating for Dermatitis pay in 2026?
$1,435.02 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 Dermatitis 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.
Start your claim — freeEducational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.