VA Rating Criteria for Scars Explained

VA assigns a disability rating for scars based on factors such as location of the scar, size, whether it is painful or unstable, and how it affects function. Scar ratings are governed by specific diagnostic codes, and even small or superficial scars may be compensable for pain, instability, or functional limitation.

Because scars can worsen over time, becoming painful, unstable, or functionally limiting, it is critical a veteran’s claim or appeal fully documents both the scar’s physical characteristics and impact on daily life and employment.

  • VA rates scars under 38 C.F.R. § 4.118, using different diagnostic codes depending on whether the scar is painful, unstable, deep, nonlinear, affects the head/face/neck, or causes limitation of function.

  • Painful or unstable scars are compensable, even if they are small or otherwise appear minimal.

  • Scars that limit motion, strength, dexterity, or use of a body part may be rated based on functional impairment, in addition to or instead of a skin-based rating.

  • Veterans with severe functional limitations or multiple painful scars may qualify for TDIU or, in limited circumstances, Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).

Bottom Line Up Front:

How Does VA Assign Ratings for Scars?

  • Whether the scar is painful

  • Whether the scar is unstable (frequent loss of skin covering)

  • The size and depth of the scar

  • The location of the scar (head, face, neck vs. other areas)

  • Whether the scar causes functional limitation of the affected body part

VA does not rate scars based solely on appearance. Instead, VA evaluates:

A scar that looks minor on examination may still warrant compensation if it causes pain, tenderness, breakdown of skin, or interferes with normal use.

Common Evidence Used in Scar Claims

  • The number of scars

  • Exact measurements (length, width, and total surface area)

  • Whether scars are painful on examination

  • Whether scars are unstable

  • Whether scars are deep or associated with underlying soft tissue damage

  • Whether scars limit motion, strength, or function

  • Impact on employment and daily activities

VA examiners evaluate and document:

C&P Exams and Medical Records

VA examiners typically complete a Scars Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQ) to record these findings.

  • Pain, tenderness, burning, or sensitivity

  • Skin breakdown, cracking, or reopening

  • Difficulty with movement, gripping, standing, or walking

  • Sensitivity to clothing, pressure, or weather

  • How scars interfere with work tasks or daily routines

  • Flare-ups of pain or instability not always present during exams

Lay statements are often critical in scar claims. Veterans and witnesses may describe:

Lay Evidence

Lay evidence helps show functional impact that may not be fully captured during a brief VA examination.

  • Chronic pain or nerve involvement related to scars

  • Recurrent infections or skin breakdown

  • Scar tissue adherence or reduced mobility

  • Surgical complications or worsening over time

  • Medical opinions linking scars to service injuries or surgeries

Private providers may document issues VA overlooks, including:

Private Medical Records

Private opinions can be especially valuable when VA minimizes pain, instability, or functional loss.

How VA Rates Scars Under 38 C.F.R § 4.118

Scars of the Head, Face, or Neck

  • Length and width

  • Elevation or depression of surface contour

  • Adherence to underlying tissue

  • Skin texture abnormalities

  • Pigmentation changes

  • Tissue loss or asymmetry

Rated under diagnostic code 7800 based on disfigurement, including characteristics such as:

Ratings range from 10 percent to 80 percent, depending on severity.

Deep & Nonlinear Scars (Other Than Head, Face, or Neck)

Rated under diagnostic code 7801 depending on the total area of deep scars associated with underlying soft tissue damage.

  • 10% – Area or areas of at least 6 square inches but less than 12 square inches

  • 20% – Area or areas of at least 12 square inches but less than 72 square inches

  • 30% – Area or areas of at least 72 square inches but less than 144 square inches

  • 40% – Area or areas of 144 square inches or greater

Superficial & Nonlinear Scars

  • 10% – Area or areas of 144 square inches or greater

Rated under diagnostic code 7802. Applies to large surface-area scars that are superficial but not painful or unstable.

Painful or Unstable Scars

  • 10% – One or two scars that are painful or unstable

  • 20% – Three or four scars that are painful or unstable

  • 30% – Five or more scars that are painful or unstable

Rated under diagnostic code 7804

An additional 10 percent may be added if a scar is both painful and unstable.

  • Reduced range of motion

  • Pain with use

  • Weakness or stiffness

  • Interference with gripping, walking, bending, or standing

Scars may be rated based on limitation of motion or function of the affected body part, such as:

Scars Causing Functional Limitation

These limitations are rated under the appropriate musculoskeletal or neurological criteria, not just the skin schedule.

Separately Ratable Conditions Related to Scars

VA must evaluate and separately rate all compensable conditions caused by scars when supported by evidence, including:

  • May involve numbness, tingling, burning, or shooting pain

  • Rated under the appropriate peripheral nerve diagnostic codes

(1) Nerve Damage

  • Reduced motion or strength caused by scar tissue

  • Rated under joint or muscle group criteria

(2) Musculoskeletal Impairment

  • Persistent pain associated with scar tissue

  • May support increased ratings or functional loss findings

(3) Chronic Pain Conditions

  • Anxiety, depression, or body-image issues caused by disfiguring or painful scars

  • Rated separately if service connected

(4) Psychological Impact

Scars, TDIU, and SMC

  • Chronic pain

  • Limited use of hands, arms, or legs

  • Difficulty standing, walking, or performing physical tasks

  • Combined effects with other service-connected conditions

Scars may support TDIU when they prevent substantially gainful employment due to:

Scars and TDIU

  • A single 60 percent rating, or

  • A 70 percent combined rating with one disability rated at least 40 percent, may qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

Veterans with:

Scar-related impairments may trigger SMC in limited situations, such as:

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

  • Loss of use of a body part due to functional limitation

  • Additional disabilities independently rated at 60 percent (housebound benefits)

  • VA failed to rate scars as painful or unstable

  • VA overlooked functional limitation

  • Scars worsened over time

  • Nerve or musculoskeletal effects were not separately rated

  • VA underestimated the number or severity of scars

Veterans may wish to appeal or seek an increased rating if:

How to Appeal or Increase a VA Scar Rating

Appeals may be filed through:

  • Higher-Level Review

  • Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence

  • Board Appeal

Denied or Underrated for Scars? Call Greene & Marusak LLC

Scar claims are frequently underrated or misapplied under VA regulations. If VA denied or underrated your service-connected scars, Greene & Marusak LLC can help identify errors, develop supporting evidence, and pursue the benefits you deserve.

Contact us for a free case evaluation today to speak with an experienced VA-accredited claims agent or attorney.