Diagnostic Code 7801: Scars with Underlying Soft Tissue Damage (Not Head, Face, or Neck) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.118
- Rating range
- 10% to 40%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Skin conditions
The VA rates Scars with Underlying Soft Tissue Damage (Not Head, Face, or Neck) under diagnostic code 7801 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 7801 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Area or areas of at least 6 square inches (39 sq. cm.) but less than 12 square inches (77 sq. cm.) What raters look forat least 6 but less than 12 square inches |
| 20% | Area or areas of at least 12 square inches (77 sq. cm.) but less than 72 square inches (465 sq. cm.) What raters look forat least 12 but less than 72 square inches |
| 30% | Area or areas of at least 72 square inches (465 sq. cm.) but less than 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) What raters look forat least 72 but less than 144 square inches |
| 40% | Area or areas of 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) or greater What raters look for144 square inches or greater |
DC 7801 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 314 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 7801 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 16.6%, denied 76.8% and sent 6.7% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
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 7801 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 Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out.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.
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Scars. The Scars condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Scars appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 19,432 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Scars, 2021 to 2026. The Scars condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Scars appeals generally rather than DC 7801 specifically. The DC 7801 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 7801?
Diagnostic code 7801 is the VA rating schedule entry for Scars with Underlying Soft Tissue Damage (Not Head, Face, or Neck), 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 7801?
DC 7801 provides ratings of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 7801 require?
The 40% rating for Scars with Underlying Soft Tissue Damage requires: Area or areas of 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) or greater.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 7801?
In 311 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 7801 from 2021 to 2026, 16.7% were granted, 76.5% denied and 6.8% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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