Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 7828: Acne Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.118
- Rating range
- 0% to 30%
- Rating levels
- 3
- Body system
- Skin conditions
The VA rates Acne under diagnostic code 7828 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 7828 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Superficial acne (comedones, papules, pustules) affecting less than 5% of body What raters look forless than 5%; superficial |
| 10% | Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules/pus-filled cysts) affecting less than 40% of face and neck, or deep acne other than face/neck What raters look fordeep acne; less than 40% face/neck |
| 30% | Deep acne (nodules/cysts) affecting 40% or more of face and neck What raters look for40%+ face/neck; deep nodules/cysts |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Acne. The Acne condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Acne appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 674 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Acne as the primary issue. The Acne 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 Acne appeals generally rather than DC 7828 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 7828?
Diagnostic code 7828 is the VA rating schedule entry for Acne, 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 7828?
DC 7828 provides ratings of 0%, 10%, 30%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 7828 require?
The 30% rating for Acne requires: Deep acne (nodules/cysts) affecting 40% or more of face and neck.