Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 7816: Psoriasis Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.118
- Rating range
- 0% to 60%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Skin conditions
The VA rates Psoriasis under diagnostic code 7816 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 7816 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Less than 5 percent of the entire body or exposed areas affected, and no more than topical therapy required during the past 12-month period What raters look forless than 5% body; topical only |
| 10% | At least 5 percent but less than 20 percent of the entire body or exposed areas affected, or intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of less than six weeks during the past 12-month period What raters look for5-20% body area; intermittent systemic therapy |
| 30% | 20 to 40 percent of the entire body or exposed areas affected, or systemic therapy required for 6 weeks or more but not constantly during the past 12-month period What raters look for20-40% body area; 6+ weeks systemic therapy |
| 60% | More than 40 percent of the entire body or exposed areas affected, or constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required during the past 12-month period What raters look for40%+ body area; constant systemic therapy; biologic therapy; immunosuppressive drugs |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Psoriasis. The Psoriasis condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Psoriasis appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 474 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Psoriasis as the primary issue. The Psoriasis 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 Psoriasis appeals generally rather than DC 7816 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 7816?
Diagnostic code 7816 is the VA rating schedule entry for Psoriasis, 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 7816?
DC 7816 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%, 60%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 7816 require?
The 60% rating for Psoriasis requires: More than 40 percent of the entire body or exposed areas affected, or constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required during the past 12-month period.