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Chloracne VA Disability Rating
DC 7829 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.118 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2.H
OVERVIEW
Chloracne is a skin condition caused by dioxin/Agent Orange exposure, rated under DC 7829 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.118, and is a presumptive condition for veterans with herbicide exposure under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e). Ratings are based on lesion type (deep vs. superficial) and affected area. Deep acne consists of inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts; superficial acne consists of comedones, papules, and pustules.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
30% — Deep acne, 40%+ of face and neck
Deep acne (inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting 40% or more of the face and neck.
20% — Deep acne, intertriginous areas
Deep acne affecting intertriginous areas (axilla, anogenital region, skin folds of breasts, or between digits).
10% — Deep acne, limited area
Deep acne affecting less than 40% of face and neck; or deep acne affecting non-intertriginous body areas.
0% — Superficial acne any extent
Superficial acne (comedones, papules, pustules) of any extent. Note: may rate as disfigurement (DC 7800) or scars (DCs 7801-7805) depending on predominant disability.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Dermatologist evaluation confirming chloracne diagnosis
-Service records documenting Agent Orange/dioxin exposure
-Photographs documenting acne distribution and type
-Documentation of affected percentage of face, neck, and body areas
-Scar or disfigurement documentation if applicable
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)
DC 7800/7801
Deep chloracne causes permanent scarring. Rate separately under scar codes if predominant.
DC 9434
Facial disfigurement from chloracne causes significant psychological sequelae.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.Chloracne is an Agent Orange presumptive — service connection automatic with qualifying exposure and current diagnosis.
2.Key distinction: deep acne (nodules, cysts) vs. superficial acne (comedones, papules) — only deep acne rates above 0%.
3.Document percentage of face and neck affected — 40% threshold separates 20% from 30%.
4.If significant scarring has occurred, request evaluation under both DC 7829 AND scar codes (7800-7805).
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 3.309(e) — Agent Orange Presumptives
Chloracne manifested to 10%+ within one year of last herbicide exposure is presumptively service-connected.
DOLLAR IMPACT
10%: $175.03/mo. 30%: $524.31/mo. Many Vietnam-era veterans with facial scarring from chloracne are unaware they can file.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026