EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
← All Condition GuidesCLAIM RECON INTEL
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
DC 7809 | 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7809 |
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7809 of 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7809 across 4 severity tiers (0% / 10% / 30% / 60%). 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.
OVERVIEW
Chronic autoimmune skin condition causing disc-shaped scaly lesions, scarring, and skin discoloration
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
0%
Less than 5 percent of the entire body or less than 5 percent of exposed areas affected, and no more than topical therapy required during the past 12-month period.
10%
At least 5 percent but less than 20 percent of the entire body or at least 5 percent but less than 20 percent of exposed areas affected, or intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of less than six weeks during the past 12-month period.
30%
20 to 40 percent of the entire body or 20 to 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or systemic therapy required for a total duration of six weeks or more but not constantly during the past 12-month period.
60%
More than 40 percent of the entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected, or constant or near-constant systemic therapy required during the past 12-month period.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records showing injury or complaints
-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)
-Range of motion measurements
-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin
-Buddy statements describing limitations
-Prescription history
-Physical therapy records
-Employment impact documentation
C&P EXAM TIPS (6)
1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.
2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.
3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.
4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).
5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.
6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026