VASRD 7800 · Skin / Appearance

Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck VA Disability Rating

Visible scarring or distortion of the face, head, or neck.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
80%Severe and obvious facial deformity
50%Moderate visible scarring
30%Noticeable but less severe changes
10%Mild visible scarring

How the VA Evaluates Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck

Number and severity of disfigurement characteristics such as asymmetry, texture, length.

Approval rate

Moderate (~60%) with photos or dermatology report.

Annual service-connected

1,100 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Dermatology exam
  • •High-resolution photographs

Strategy Tips

  • •Use close-up and clinical photos
  • •Get documentation from dermatologist

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •Lighting can obscure scarring
  • •No description of severity

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •No visual documentation
  • •Failing to link to service injury

Onset Patterns

  • •Burns, trauma, surgical scars

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Social Anxiety

    Visible disfigurement

  • Depression

    Self-image challenges

Common questions about Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck

Is Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck under VASRD diagnostic code 7800 (Skin / Appearance). Visible scarring or distortion of the face, head, or neck.
What VA disability rating can I get for Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck?
Possible VA ratings for Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck are 80%, 50%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 80% — Severe and obvious facial deformity; 50% — Moderate visible scarring; 30% — Noticeable but less severe changes.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck?
The average awarded rating for Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck is 30%. Roughly 1,100 veterans are service-connected for Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate (~60%) with photos or dermatology report..
What evidence helps prove Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck claim includes: Dermatology exam; High-resolution photographs.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck?
Common pitfalls when filing for Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck: No visual documentation; Failing to link to service injury.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck include: Social Anxiety, Depression. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

Open the calculator