This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Scars
- Scars are rated under different diagnostic codes depending on location (head/face/neck vs. other body areas).
- Each painful scar and each unstable scar can each receive a separate 10% rating under DC 7804.
- Surgical scars from service-connected surgeries (knee replacement, back surgery) can be claimed separately from the underlying condition.
- The eight characteristics of disfigurement for head/face/neck scars include size, texture, color, adherence, contour, and tissue loss.
- Scars that limit the function of the affected body part can alternatively be rated based on the limitation caused (DC 7805).
Based on VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and related service-connection regulations. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities), VA.gov disability compensation, 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)
Overview
Scars resulting from injuries or surgeries during military service are rated under Diagnostic Codes 7800 through 7805, depending on the location, size, and characteristics of the scar. The VA uses different rating criteria for scars on the head, face, or neck versus scars on other parts of the body.
For head, face, and neck scars (DC 7800), the VA evaluates eight characteristics of disfigurement, including scar size, texture, color, adherence, and contour irregularity. Ratings range from 10% (one characteristic) to 80% (six or more characteristics). For scars elsewhere on the body, DC 7801 rates deep nonlinear scars by area, DC 7802 rates superficial nonlinear scars, and DC 7804 rates scars that are unstable or painful, with each unstable or painful scar warranting a 10% rating.
Scars are often overlooked as a separate ratable condition. Veterans who had surgery for a service-connected condition (such as knee surgery or back surgery) may claim the resulting surgical scar in addition to the underlying condition. Painful or unstable scars each receive 10% independently, and a veteran with multiple qualifying scars can receive a combined rating for all of them.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Head, face, or neck: one characteristic of disfigurement. Other areas: scar that is painful or unstable (each scar rated separately). Deep nonlinear scar of at least 6 square inches (39 sq. cm). |
| 20% | Head, face, or neck: two or three characteristics of disfigurement. Other areas: two scars that are painful or unstable. Deep nonlinear scar of at least 12 square inches (77 sq. cm). |
| 30% | Head, face, or neck: four or five characteristics of disfigurement. Three or four painful or unstable scars. Deep nonlinear scar of at least 72 square inches (465 sq. cm). |
| 50% | Head, face, or neck: six or more characteristics of disfigurement with visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of two features or paired sets of features. |
| 80% | Head, face, or neck: six or more characteristics of disfigurement with visible or palpable tissue loss and gross distortion or asymmetry of three or more features or paired sets of features. |
- 10%
Head, face, or neck: one characteristic of disfigurement. Other areas: scar that is painful or unstable (each scar rated separately). Deep nonlinear scar of at least 6 square inches (39 sq. cm).
- 20%
Head, face, or neck: two or three characteristics of disfigurement. Other areas: two scars that are painful or unstable. Deep nonlinear scar of at least 12 square inches (77 sq. cm).
- 30%
Head, face, or neck: four or five characteristics of disfigurement. Three or four painful or unstable scars. Deep nonlinear scar of at least 72 square inches (465 sq. cm).
- 50%
Head, face, or neck: six or more characteristics of disfigurement with visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of two features or paired sets of features.
- 80%
Head, face, or neck: six or more characteristics of disfigurement with visible or palpable tissue loss and gross distortion or asymmetry of three or more features or paired sets of features.
These criteria describe how a VA Compensation & Pension examiner evaluates the condition during a rating exam. They are not a self-test. For mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130, a diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician under DSM-5. Actual ratings depend on the totality of evidence reviewed by the VA.
Evidence Checklist
Required
Photographs
Clear photographs of each scar with a ruler or measuring device showing length, width, and characteristics such as color, texture, and adherence.
Measurements
Precise measurements of each scar including length, width, area (for deep/nonlinear scars), and depth if applicable.
Recommended
Surgical records
Operative reports documenting the surgery that produced the scar, linking it to the service-connected condition.
Treatment records
Medical records showing treatment for scar-related symptoms such as pain, instability, or limitation of motion caused by the scar.
Helpful
Pain or instability documentation
A statement describing whether scars are painful to touch or unstable (frequent loss of covering of skin over the scar).
Secondary Conditions
These conditions may be claimed as secondary to Scars. A nexus is the medical link between a service-connected condition and a related condition. Nexus strength indicates the level of established medical evidence supporting that connection.
Limitation of Motion
DC 7805, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 30%
Peripheral Nerve Damage
DC 8599, Typical range: 10%, 20%, 30%
Explore all secondary conditions in the Secondary Condition Mapper tool.
Related DBQs
Scars and Disfigurement
Form 21-0960F-1
Search all DBQ forms in the DBQ Finder tool.
Next Steps
This information is for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.