What happens during a C&P exam for Malignant Melanoma?

Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms. Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

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Malignant Melanoma

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Malignant Melanoma?

Malignant Melanoma (DC 7833) is rated at 0%, 10%, 30%, 60% under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7833. 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.

Q: What rates 0% for Malignant Melanoma under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7833?

Under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7833 (DC 7833), a 0% rating for Malignant Melanoma requires: 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.

Q: What rates 10% for Malignant Melanoma under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7833?

Under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7833 (DC 7833), a 10% rating for Malignant Melanoma requires: 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.

Q: What rates 30% for Malignant Melanoma under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7833?

Under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7833 (DC 7833), a 30% rating for Malignant Melanoma requires: 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.

Q: What rates 60% for Malignant Melanoma under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7833?

Under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7833 (DC 7833), a 60% rating for Malignant Melanoma requires: 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.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Malignant Melanoma VA claim?

Key evidence for a Malignant Melanoma claim includes: Service treatment records; Current medical diagnosis and treatment records; Buddy/lay statements; Prescription history; Employment impact documentation. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 783338 C.F.R. § 4.118

Diagnostic Code

DC 7833

38 C.F.R. § 4.118

Rating Range

0–60%

4 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Malignant Melanoma is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7833 of 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7833 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.

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

Overview

Serious skin cancer originating in melanocytes; rated 100% during active disease

Rating Criteria

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.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records

—Current medical diagnosis and treatment records

—Buddy/lay statements

—Prescription history

—Employment impact documentation

—Any relevant diagnostic testing

04C&P Exam Tips

1Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.

2Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

3Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.

4Mention all medications and their side effects.

5Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.

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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.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

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