Diagnostic Code 7831: Alopecia Areata (Hair Loss) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.118
- Rating range
- 0% to 10%
- Rating levels
- 2
- Body system
- Skin conditions
The VA rates Alopecia Areata (Hair Loss) under diagnostic code 7831 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 7831 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | With loss of hair limited to scalp and face What raters look forhair loss limited to scalp and face |
| 10% | With loss of all body hair What raters look forloss of all body hair |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Hair Loss (Alopecia). The Hair Loss (Alopecia) condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Hair Loss (Alopecia) appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 530 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Hair Loss (Alopecia), 2021 to 2026. The Hair Loss (Alopecia) 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 Hair Loss (Alopecia) appeals generally rather than DC 7831 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 7831?
Diagnostic code 7831 is the VA rating schedule entry for Alopecia Areata (Hair Loss), 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 7831?
DC 7831 provides ratings of 0%, 10%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 7831 require?
The 10% rating for Alopecia Areata (Hair Loss) requires: With loss of all body hair.
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Other skin conditions codes
All 12 skin conditions codes- DC 7800Head, Face, or Neck Scars and Disfigurement
- DC 7801Scars with Underlying Soft Tissue Damage
- DC 7804Unstable or Painful Scars
- DC 7806Dermatitis / Eczema / Seborrheic Dermatitis
- DC 7813Dermatophytosis
- DC 7816Psoriasis
- DC 7818Malignant Skin Neoplasms
- DC 7820Infections of the Skin Not Listed Elsewhere