How the VA Rates Scars
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7800 (Head/Face/Neck) / 7801–7802 (Area) / 7804 (Painful or Unstable) criteria a VA rater evaluates Scars against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.
Diagnostic codes 7800, 7801, 7802, 7804, 7805
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7800 (Head/Face/Neck) / 7801–7802 (Area) / 7804 (Painful or Unstable) 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.
10%
$180.42/month
DC 7804: One or two scars that are unstable (frequent loss of skin covering) or painful. OR DC 7801: deep, nonlinear scar(s) not of the head/face/neck covering at least 6 sq in (39 sq cm). OR DC 7800: one characteristic of disfigurement of the head, face, or neck.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- 1–2 painful or unstable scars, or
- Deep scar ≥6 sq in away from head/face/neck, or
- One disfiguring feature of the head/face/neck
- Scar tenderness or skin breakdown
20%
$356.66/month
DC 7804: Three or four scars that are unstable or painful. OR DC 7801: deep, nonlinear scar(s) covering at least 12 sq in (77 sq cm).
Examples from this level’s criteria
- 3–4 painful or unstable scars, or
- Deep scar ≥12 sq in away from head/face/neck
- Recurrent ulceration of the scar(s)
30%
$552.47/month
DC 7804: Five or more scars that are unstable or painful. OR DC 7801: deep, nonlinear scar(s) covering at least 72 sq in (465 sq cm). OR DC 7800: two or three characteristics of disfigurement of the head, face, or neck, or with visible/palpable tissue loss.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- 5+ painful or unstable scars, or
- Deep scar ≥72 sq in, or
- Two or three disfiguring features (or tissue loss) of head/face/neck
40%
$795.84/month
DC 7801: deep, nonlinear scar(s) covering an area of at least 144 sq in (929 sq cm).
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Very large area of deep scarring (≥144 sq in)
- Significant functional limitation from the scarred area
50%
$1,132.90/month
DC 7800: four or five characteristics of disfigurement of the head, face, or neck.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Four or five disfiguring features of the head/face/neck
- Marked asymmetry or tissue loss
80%
$2,102.15/month
DC 7800: six or more characteristics of disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (the eight characteristics include scar ≥5 in long, ≥0.25 in wide, surface contour elevated/depressed, adherent to underlying tissue, abnormal skin color over ≥6 sq in, abnormal skin texture over ≥6 sq in, underlying soft tissue missing over ≥6 sq in, and indurated/inflexible skin over ≥6 sq in).
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Six or more disfiguring features of head/face/neck
- Gross distortion or asymmetry of facial features
- Extensive tissue loss
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
Documented scar measurements in square centimeters + pain/instability noted by treating provider
C&P exam tips for Scars
- What wins this rating: the exam must measure each scar (length, width, total area), note whether it is painful or unstable, and — for head/face/neck — count the 8 'characteristics of disfigurement.' Burn scars are rated by these same codes.
- Count every painful or unstable scar separately — the number of scars drives DC 7804.
- For facial/neck scars, bring photographs and ask the examiner to document each disfigurement characteristic.
- Note any limitation of motion or function the scar causes (this can be rated additionally under DC 7805).
Common mistakes on Scars claims
- Not having each scar measured and the total area calculated.
- Failing to report that a scar is painful or unstable, which alone supports a compensable rating.
- Overlooking the separate disfigurement characteristics for head/face/neck scars.
Frequently asked questions
What diagnostic code does the VA use for Scars?
Scars is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7800 (Head/Face/Neck) / 7801–7802 (Area) / 7804 (Painful or Unstable) — diagnostic codes 7800, 7801, 7802, 7804, 7805.
What is the highest schedular VA rating for Scars?
80% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Scars. The criteria at that level describe: DC 7800: six or more characteristics of disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (the eight characteristics include scar ≥5 in long, ≥0.25 in wide, surface contour elevated/depressed, adherent to underlying tissue, abnormal skin color over ≥6 sq in, abnormal skin texture over ≥6 sq in, underlying soft tissue missing over ≥6 sq in, and indurated/inflexible skin over ≥6 sq in).
How much does a 80% VA rating for Scars pay in 2026?
$2,102.15 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 Scars claim documentation
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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.