EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Surgical Scars VA Disability Rating
DC 7800-7805 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.118 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.10
OVERVIEW
Surgical scars rated under DC 7800-7805 based on location, size, pain, instability, and functional limitation. Painful or unstable scars rate at 10% each under DC 7804. Scars from service-connected surgeries are separately ratable. Head/face/neck scars have their own criteria under DC 7800.
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
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.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026