Diagnostic Code 7800: Head, Face, or Neck Scars and Disfigurement Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.118
- Rating range
- 10% to 80%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Skin conditions
The VA rates Head, Face, or Neck Scars and Disfigurement under diagnostic code 7800 in 38 CFR § 4.118. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 7800 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | With one characteristic of disfigurement What raters look forone characteristic of disfigurement |
| 30% | With visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of one feature or paired set of features (nose, chin, forehead, eyes (including eyelids), ears (auricles), cheeks, lips), or with two or three characteristics of disfigurement What raters look fortissue loss with distortion or asymmetry of one feature; two or three characteristics of disfigurement |
| 50% | With visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of two features or paired sets of features (nose, chin, forehead, eyes (including eyelids), ears (auricles), cheeks, lips), or with four or five characteristics of disfigurement What raters look fortissue loss with distortion or asymmetry of two features; four or five characteristics of disfigurement |
| 80% | With visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of three or more features or paired sets of features (nose, chin, forehead, eyes (including eyelids), ears (auricles), cheeks, lips), or with six or more characteristics of disfigurement What raters look fortissue loss with distortion or asymmetry of three or more features; six or more characteristics of disfigurement |
DC 7800 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 1,079 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 7800 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 17.7%, denied 69.0% and sent 13.3% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Recorded exam issues in remanded DC 7800 rulings
Percentages use all 144 rating rulings under this code the Board remanded, 2021 to 2026. Some rulings have no recorded exam classification, and small categories are not shown, so these rows need not total 100 percent.
- The VA exam or opinion was not adequate63.9%
- No exam problem recorded15.3%
- The exam was out of date or the condition had worsened9.7%
- VA had not given an exam or opinion6.9%
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 7800 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 7800?
Diagnostic code 7800 is the VA rating schedule entry for Head, Face, or Neck Scars and Disfigurement, found in 38 CFR § 4.118. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 7800?
DC 7800 provides ratings of 10%, 30%, 50%, 80%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 7800 require?
The 80% rating for Head, Face, or Neck Scars and Disfigurement requires: With visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of three or more features or paired sets of features (nose, chin, forehead, eyes (including eyelids), ears (auricles), cheeks, lips), or with six or more characteristics of disfigurement.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 7800?
In 1,053 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 7800 from 2021 to 2026, 16.4% were granted, 70.0% denied and 13.6% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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