Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 7801: Burn Scars. Not Head/Face/Neck (Deep/Nonlinear) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.118
- Rating range
- 10% to 40%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Skin conditions
The VA rates Burn Scars. Not Head/Face/Neck (Deep/Nonlinear) 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 of at least 6 square inches (39 sq cm) but less than 12 square inches (77 sq cm) What raters look for6-12 sq inches |
| 20% | Area of 12-72 square inches What raters look for12-72 sq inches |
| 30% | Area of 72-144 square inches What raters look for72-144 sq inches |
| 40% | Area of 144+ square inches (929 sq cm) What raters look for144+ sq inches |
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 484 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Scars as the primary issue. The Scars condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Scars appeals generally rather than DC 7801 specifically. 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 Burn Scars. Not Head/Face/Neck (Deep/Nonlinear), 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 Burn Scars. Not Head/Face/Neck requires: Area of 144+ square inches (929 sq cm).