What are the VA rating percentages for Cystic Acne?

Cystic Acne (DC 7828) is rated at 30%, 10%, 0% under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7828. Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting 40 percent or more of the face and neck

What rates 30% for Cystic Acne under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7828?

Under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7828 (DC 7828), a 30% rating for Cystic Acne requires: Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting 40 percent or more of the face and neck

What rates 0% for Cystic Acne under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7828?

Under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7828 (DC 7828), a 0% rating for Cystic Acne requires: Superficial acne (comedones, papules, pustules) of any extent

What happens during a C&P exam for Cystic Acne?

Most skin ratings turn on the percentage of body area affected (38 CFR 4.118) - ask the examiner to estimate the percent of your entire body and of exposed areas covered by lesions. Schedule your exam during a flare if you can; the percent affected is measured at the time of the exam, so a clear-skin day can understate your disability.

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Cystic Acne

Q: What rates 10% for Cystic Acne under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7828?

Under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7828 (DC 7828), a 10% rating for Cystic Acne requires: Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting less than 40 percent of the face and neck, or deep acne other than on the face and neck

Q: What evidence do I need for a Cystic Acne VA claim?

Key evidence for a Cystic Acne claim includes: Dermatology records estimating the percent of total body area and exposed area affected; Records of systemic therapy (corticosteroids, biologics, retinoids, phototherapy, immunosuppressants) with start/stop dates over the past 12 months; Unretouched color photographs of the affected skin during a flare; Biopsy or pathology reports confirming the diagnosis, where applicable; Documentation of any painful or unstable scars and their count. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 782838 C.F.R. § 4.118

Diagnostic Code

DC 7828

38 C.F.R. § 4.118

Rating Range

0–30%

3 severity tiers

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.118

Cystic Acne is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7828 of 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7828 across 3 severity tiers (30% / 10% / 0%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Severe form of acne with deep, painful, pus-filled cysts causing significant scarring

Rating Criteria

30%

Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting 40 percent or more of the face and neck

10%

Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting less than 40 percent of the face and neck, or deep acne other than on the face and neck

Superficial acne (comedones, papules, pustules) of any extent

Key Evidence

—Dermatology records estimating the percent of total body area and exposed area affected

—Records of systemic therapy (corticosteroids, biologics, retinoids, phototherapy, immunosuppressants) with start/stop dates over the past 12 months

—Unretouched color photographs of the affected skin during a flare

—Biopsy or pathology reports confirming the diagnosis, where applicable

—Documentation of any painful or unstable scars and their count

—Complete list of prescribed topical and systemic skin medications

C&P Exam Tips

1Most skin ratings turn on the percentage of body area affected (38 CFR 4.118) - ask the examiner to estimate the percent of your entire body and of exposed areas covered by lesions.

2Schedule your exam during a flare if you can; the percent affected is measured at the time of the exam, so a clear-skin day can understate your disability.

3Systemic therapy is a separate path to a rating - the total weeks of systemic treatment (corticosteroids, biologics, retinoids, phototherapy, immunosuppressants) over the past 12 months drives the level. Treatment administered through the skin is topical, not systemic.

4Document constant or near-constant systemic therapy over the past 12 months - that supports the 60% level for many skin conditions.

5Painful or unstable scars are rated separately by count (38 CFR 4.118, DC 7804) - report each painful or unstable scar.

6Bring unretouched color photographs of your skin at its worst, and report how the condition affects work and daily activity.

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.118 (Skin). Source verified 2026-06-04 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.

View § 4.118 on eCFR →Cornell Law mirror →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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