How the VA Rates Scars
The plain-English version of the 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7800 (Head/Face/Neck) / 7801–7802 (not of head/face/neck; with / without underlying soft tissue damage) / 7804 (Unstable or Painful) / 7805 (other effects) 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.
38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7800 (Head/Face/Neck) / 7801–7802 (not of head/face/neck; with / without underlying soft tissue damage) / 7804 (Unstable or Painful) / 7805 (other effects)
Scars · 6 levels
- 80%$2,102.15a month
- 50%$1,132.90a month
- 40%$795.84a month
- 30%$552.47a month
- 20%$356.66a month
- 10%$180.42a month
2026 VA rates (effective December 1, 2025), veteran alone, as the only rated condition. VA decides the level.
Key facts
- Regulation
- 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7800 (Head/Face/Neck) / 7801–7802 (not of head/face/neck; with / without underlying soft tissue damage) / 7804 (Unstable or Painful) / 7805 (other effects)
- Diagnostic codes
- 7800, 7801, 7802, 7804, 7805
- Levels in the schedule
- 10% · 20% · 30% · 40% · 50% · 80%
- Top level (80%) pays
- $2,102.15/month2026, veteran alone
The rating levels
Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7800 (Head/Face/Neck) / 7801–7802 (not of head/face/neck; with / without underlying soft tissue damage) / 7804 (Unstable or Painful) / 7805 (other effects) 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.
- 80%
$2,102.15/month
DC 7800: 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. The 8 characteristics: scar 5 or more inches (13 or more cm) in length; scar at least one-quarter inch (0.6 cm) wide at widest part; surface contour elevated or depressed on palpation; scar adherent to underlying tissue; skin hypo- or hyper-pigmented in an area exceeding 6 sq in (39 sq cm); skin texture abnormal in an area exceeding 6 sq in; underlying soft tissue missing in an area exceeding 6 sq in; skin indurated and inflexible in an area exceeding 6 sq in.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Tissue loss WITH distortion or asymmetry of three or more facial features (or paired sets), or
- Six or more disfiguring characteristics of head/face/neck
- 50%
$1,132.90/month
DC 7800: 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 of the head, face, or neck.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Tissue loss WITH distortion or asymmetry of two facial features (or paired sets), or
- Four or five disfiguring characteristics of the head/face/neck
- 40%
$795.84/month
DC 7801: scar(s) associated with underlying soft tissue damage, area or areas of 144 sq in (929 sq cm) or greater.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- Scarring with underlying soft tissue damage over 144 sq in or more
- 30%
$552.47/month
DC 7804: Five or more scars that are unstable or painful. OR DC 7801: scar(s) associated with underlying soft tissue damage, area of at least 72 sq in (465 sq cm) but less than 144 sq in (929 sq cm). OR DC 7800: visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of one feature or paired set of features (nose, chin, forehead, eyes (including eyelids), ears (auricles), cheeks, lips), or; two or three characteristics of disfigurement.
Examples from this level’s criteria
- 5+ painful or unstable scars, or
- Scar(s) with underlying soft tissue damage covering 72–144 sq in, or
- Head/face/neck: tissue loss WITH distortion or asymmetry of one feature, or two or three disfiguring characteristics
- 20%
$356.66/month
DC 7804: Three or four scars that are unstable or painful. OR DC 7801: scar(s) associated with underlying soft tissue damage, area of at least 12 sq in (77 sq cm) but less than 72 sq in (465 sq cm).
Examples from this level’s criteria
- 3–4 painful or unstable scars, or
- Scar(s) with underlying soft tissue damage covering 12–72 sq in away from head/face/neck
- 10%
$180.42/month
DC 7804: One or two scars that are unstable or painful. OR DC 7801: scar(s) not of the head, face, or neck, associated with underlying soft tissue damage, area of at least 6 sq in (39 sq cm) but less than 12 sq in (77 sq cm). OR DC 7802: scar(s) not of the head, face, or neck, not associated with underlying soft tissue damage, area of 144 sq in (929 sq cm) or greater. OR DC 7800: one characteristic of disfigurement of the head, face, or neck. (DC 7804: if one or more scars are both unstable and painful, add 10% to the evaluation based on the total number of unstable or painful scars.)
Examples from this level’s criteria
- 1–2 painful or unstable scars, or
- Scar(s) with underlying soft tissue damage covering 6–12 sq in away from head/face/neck, or
- Scar(s) without soft tissue damage covering 144 sq in or more, or
- One disfiguring characteristic of the head/face/neck
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
- 1What 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.
- 2Count every painful or unstable scar separately — the number of scars drives DC 7804.
- 3For facial/neck scars, bring photographs and ask the examiner to document each disfigurement characteristic.
- 4Note 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 § 4.118, DC 7800 (Head/Face/Neck) / 7801–7802 (not of head/face/neck; with / without underlying soft tissue damage) / 7804 (Unstable or Painful) / 7805 (other effects) — 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: 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. The 8 characteristics: scar 5 or more inches (13 or more cm) in length; scar at least one-quarter inch (0.6 cm) wide at widest part; surface contour elevated or depressed on palpation; scar adherent to underlying tissue; skin hypo- or hyper-pigmented in an area exceeding 6 sq in (39 sq cm); skin texture abnormal in an area exceeding 6 sq in; underlying soft tissue missing in an area exceeding 6 sq in; skin indurated and inflexible in an area exceeding 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
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.