Most scars, from surgery, shrapnel, burns, or other injuries, are rated under DC 7804 based on how many are unstable or painful, applicable regardless of the scar's size or location. Larger or head/face/neck scars can additionally qualify under other codes.
Common Filing Mistake
DC 7804 applies by count of qualifying scars, not by total area, five separate small painful scars can outrate one large scar under this code. Also commonly missed: a scar that is BOTH unstable and painful gets an extra 10% added on top of the count-based rating (Note 2), make sure both characteristics are documented if both apply.
Diagnostic Codes
- DC 7800Burn scar(s) or disfigurement of the head, face, or neck
- DC 7801Scars not of the head, face, or neck, deep and nonlinear
- DC 7802Scars not of the head, face, or neck, superficial and nonlinear
- DC 7804Scar(s), unstable or painful
- DC 7805Other scars (rate limitation of function of affected part)
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|
| 30% | Five or more scars that are unstable or painful |
| 20% | Three or four scars that are unstable or painful |
| 10% | One or two scars that are unstable or painful |
Special Rules
- "Unstable" means frequent loss of skin covering over the scar, for any reason.
- Add 10% to the DC 7804 rating if one or more of the qualifying scars is both unstable and painful (not simply one or the other).
- Scars can be separately rated alongside the condition that caused them (e.g., a surgical scar plus the underlying joint condition it came from), as long as the symptoms don't overlap.
- Head, face, or neck scars and disfigurement (DC 7800) and larger-area scars (DC 7801, 7802) use different, area- or disfigurement-based criteria not covered here, worth a separate look if applicable to your situation.
Sourced from 38 CFR §§ 4.71a / 4.130. This is a reference aid, not a rating decision, your actual rating depends on the medical evidence in your specific case and your C&P exam findings. Rules can be amended, verify current text at eCFR.gov or with an accredited VSO before relying on this for a specific claim.