EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Psoriasis
DC 7816 | 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7816 |
Psoriasis is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7816 of 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7816 across 4 severity tiers (60% -- >40% of body or exposed areas, or constant systemic therapy / 30% -- 20-40% of body or systemic therapy 6+ weeks / 10% -- 5-20% of body / 0% -- <5% of body). 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. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Psoriatic Arthritis or Depression under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.
OVERVIEW
Chronic autoimmune skin condition with red, scaly patches and accelerated skin cell turnover
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
60% -- >40% of body or exposed areas, or constant systemic therapy
More than 40% of body/exposed areas, or constant/near-constant systemic therapy in past 12 months.
30% -- 20-40% of body or systemic therapy 6+ weeks
20-40% of body/exposed areas, or systemic therapy 6+ weeks but not constant.
10% -- 5-20% of body
5-20% of body/exposed areas, or intermittent systemic therapy <6 weeks.
0% -- <5% of body
Less than 5% of body, topical therapy only.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records
-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records
-Buddy/lay statements
-Prescription history
-Employment impact documentation
-Any relevant diagnostic testing
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (4 MAPPED)
DC
Skin and joint inflammation share pathology
DC
Visible skin disease affects self-esteem
DC
Systemic inflammation affects metabolism
DC
Chronic inflammation accelerates atherosclerosis
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.
2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.
3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.
4.Mention all medications and their side effects.
5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.
SECONDARY CONDITIONS
MORE IN SKIN
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026