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Scar(s), unstable or painful
Diagnostic code 7804 · Skin · 38 CFR 4.118
VA has proposed changing these rules
The proposal (90 FR 46542, published September 29, 2025) is not in effect. The rules on this page still apply until VA publishes a final rule.
Read the proposal in the Federal RegisterRating criteria: the exact regulation text
Quoted from 38 CFR 4.118. The "Rating" column is the percentage VA assigns for that level.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7804 Scar(s), unstable or painful: | |
| Five or more scars that are unstable or painful | 30 |
| Three or four scars that are unstable or painful | 20 |
| One or two scars that are unstable or painful | 10 |
| Note (1): An unstable scar is one where, for any reason, there is frequent loss of covering of skin over the scar. | |
| Note (2): If one or more scars are both unstable and painful, add 10 percent to the evaluation that is based on the total number of unstable or painful scars | |
| Note (3): Scars evaluated under diagnostic codes 7800, 7801, 7802, or 7805 may also receive an evaluation under this diagnostic code, when applicable |
Where else the regulation mentions this code
These lines appear under other codes or headings in the schedule and name this code.
Rate as for disfigurement (diagnostic codes 7800 and 7804) and impairment of mastication.
Under diagnostic code 7200 (Soft tissue injury of the mouth, other than tongue or lips)
Rate as disfigurement (diagnostic codes 7800 and 7804).
7805 Scars, other; and other effects of scars evaluated under diagnostic codes 7800, 7801, 7802, or 7804:
Rate as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800), scars (DC's 7801, 7802, 7803, 7804, or 7805), or dermatitis (DC 7806), depending upon the predominant disability
Under diagnostic code 7807 (American (New World) leishmaniasis (mucocutaneous, espundia))
Rate as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800), scars (DC's 7801, 7802, 7803, 7804, or 7805), or impairment of function
Under diagnostic code 7818 (Malignant skin neoplasms (other than malignant melanoma))
Rate as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800), scars (DC's 7801, 7802, 7803, 7804, or 7805), or impairment of function
Or rate as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800) or scars (DCs 7801, 7802, 7804, or 7805), depending upon the predominant disability
Or rate as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800) or scars (DCs 7801, 7802, 7804, or 7805), depending upon the predominant disability
Under diagnostic code 7827 (Erythema multiforme; Toxic epidermal necrolysis)
Or rate as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800) or scars (DCs 7801, 7802, 7804, or 7805), depending upon the predominant disability
Or rate as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800) or scars (DCs 7801, 7802, 7804, or 7805), depending upon the predominant disability
Rate as scars (DC's 7801, 7802, 7803, 7804, or 7805), disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800), or impairment of function (under the appropriate body system)
Notes for the whole table
(a) For the purposes of this section, systemic therapy is treatment that is administered through any route (orally, injection, suppository, intranasally) other than the skin, and topical therapy is treatment that is administered through the skin.
(b) Two or more skin conditions may be combined in accordance with § 4.25 only if separate areas of skin are involved. If two or more skin conditions involve the same area of skin, then only the highest evaluation shall be used.
Related codes in the regulation
- 7800 Burn scar(s) of the head, face, or neck; scar(s) of the head, face, or neck due to other causes; or other disfigurement of the head, face, or neckRated using
- 7801 Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damageRated using
- 7802 Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are not associated with underlying soft tissue damageRated using
- 7805 Scars, other; and other effects of scars evaluated under diagnostic codes 7800, 7801, 7802, or 7804Rated using
- 7200 Soft tissue injury of the mouth, other than tongue or lipsMentioned together
- 7201 Lips, injuries ofMentioned together
- 7805 Scars, other; and other effects of scars evaluated under diagnostic codes 7800, 7801, 7802, or 7804Mentioned together
- 7807 American (New World) leishmaniasis (mucocutaneous, espundia)Mentioned together
- 7818 Malignant skin neoplasms (other than malignant melanoma)Mentioned together
- 7819 Benign skin neoplasmsMentioned together
- 7826 Vasculitis, primary cutaneousMentioned together
- 7827 Erythema multiforme; Toxic epidermal necrolysisMentioned together
- 7828 AcneMentioned together
- 7829 ChloracneMentioned together
- 7833 Malignant melanomaMentioned together
The VA exam form for this condition
VA examiners record their findings on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). Reading it shows you what the exam will measure and ask.
Rules that apply to this body system
Where this comes from
38 CFR 4.118, VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, from the official eCFR.
Regulation text current as of October 16, 2026.
Change history for this code (38 CFR Part 4, Appendix A): Criterion July 6, 1950; criterion September 22, 1978; criterion and evaluation October 23, 2008.
Read it on eCFR.govInformation, not advice
This page shows the text of VA's rating regulation for information. It is not a rating estimate, and it is not legal or medical advice. VA decides every rating on the evidence in your file.
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