Diagnostic Code 7820: Infections of the Skin Not Listed Elsewhere Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.118
- Rating range
- 0% to 60%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Skin conditions
The VA rates Infections of the Skin Not Listed Elsewhere under diagnostic code 7820 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 7820 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | No more than topical therapy required over the past 12-month period and at least one of the following: characteristic lesions involving less than 5 percent of the entire body affected; or characteristic lesions involving less than 5 percent of exposed areas affected What raters look forno more than topical therapy in the past 12 months; characteristic lesions involving less than 5 percent of the entire body or of exposed areas |
| 10% | At least one of the following: characteristic lesions involving at least 5 percent, but less than 20 percent, of the entire body affected; or at least 5 percent, but less than 20 percent, of exposed areas affected; or intermittent systemic therapy including, but not limited to, corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy, PUVA, or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of less than 6 weeks over the past 12-month period What raters look forat least 5 percent but less than 20 percent of the entire body or of exposed areas; intermittent systemic therapy totaling less than 6 weeks in the past 12 months |
| 30% | At least one of the following: characteristic lesions involving 20 to 40 percent of the entire body or 20 to 40 percent of exposed areas affected; or systemic therapy including, but not limited to, corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy, PUVA, or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of 6 weeks or more, but not constantly, over the past 12-month period What raters look for20 to 40 percent of the entire body or of exposed areas; systemic therapy totaling 6 weeks or more, but not constantly, in the past 12 months |
| 60% | At least one of the following: characteristic lesions involving more than 40 percent of the entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected; or constant or near-constant systemic therapy including, but not limited to, corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy, psoralen with long-wave ultraviolet-A light (PUVA), or other immunosuppressive drugs required over the past 12-month period What raters look formore than 40 percent of the entire body or of exposed areas; constant or near-constant systemic therapy over the past 12 months |
DC 7820 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 178 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 7820 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 33.7%, denied 57.3% and sent 9.0% 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 7820 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 7820?
Diagnostic code 7820 is the VA rating schedule entry for Infections of the Skin Not Listed Elsewhere, 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 7820?
DC 7820 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 7820 require?
The 60% rating for Infections of the Skin Not Listed Elsewhere requires: At least one of the following: characteristic lesions involving more than 40 percent of the entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected; or constant or near-constant systemic therapy including, but not limited to, corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy, psoralen with long-wave ultraviolet-A light (PUVA), or other immunosuppressive drugs required over the past 12-month period.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 7820?
In 177 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 7820 from 2021 to 2026, 33.3% were granted, 57.6% denied and 9.0% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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