EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Eczema / Dermatitis VA Disability Rating
DC 7806 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.118 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2
OVERVIEW
Eczema, dermatitis, and other chronic skin conditions are rated under Diagnostic Code 7806 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.118 based on the percentage of body area affected and the type of treatment required. Skin conditions are common among veterans exposed to environmental hazards, chemicals, and tropical climates during service.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
60% — More than 40% of body or exposed areas
More than 40% of the entire body or more than 40% of exposed areas affected, OR constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs required during the past 12-month period.
30% — 20-40% of body or exposed areas
20-40% of the entire body or 20-40% of exposed areas affected, OR systemic therapy required for 6+ weeks during the past 12-month period.
10% — At least 5% but less than 20%
At least 5% but less than 20% of the entire body or exposed areas affected, OR intermittent systemic therapy required for less than 6 weeks during the past 12-month period.
0% — Less than 5%, no systemic therapy
Less than 5% of the body affected with no more than topical therapy required.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Dermatology diagnosis and treatment records
-Photographs showing extent of affected body areas during flare-ups
-Prescription history showing topical steroids, systemic steroids, or immunosuppressive drugs
-Service records showing exposure to irritants, chemicals, or environmental conditions
-Buddy statements describing visible skin condition and impact on daily activities
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (1 MAPPED)
DC 9434/9413
Chronic visible skin conditions cause psychological distress, social withdrawal, and secondary depression.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.Schedule your exam during a flare-up if possible — the VA needs to see the condition at its worst.
2.Take photographs during every flare-up to document extent and severity over time.
3.If you use systemic therapy (oral steroids, immunosuppressive drugs), document every course: start date, duration, type.
4.The percentage of body area affected is the key — ask your dermatologist to estimate and document this.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Eczema at 30% ($552/mo) is achievable for veterans requiring systemic steroid courses. Combined with depression secondary, ratings can exceed 60%.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026