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
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 80% | Tissue loss plus gross distortion or asymmetry of three or more facial features, or six or more of the eight listed characteristics of disfigurement. |
| 50% | Tissue loss plus distortion or asymmetry of two facial features, or four or five characteristics of disfigurement. |
| 30% | Tissue loss plus distortion or asymmetry of one facial feature, or two or three characteristics of disfigurement. |
| 10% | One of the eight listed characteristics of disfigurement. |
How the VA Evaluates Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck
The rating scales with the number of disfigurement characteristics present, from one characteristic at the lowest compensable tier up to four or more characteristics with gross distortion at the highest tier, confirmed through photographs and a dermatology or plastic surgery evaluation.
Approval outlook
Moderate (~60%) with photos or dermatology report.
Veterans service-connected
~1,100 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~30%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •A dermatology exam evaluating the specific disfigurement characteristics.
- •High-resolution photographs documenting the scarring or distortion.
Strategy Tips
- •Use close-up and clinical-quality photos, since accurately capturing the specific disfigurement characteristics is central to this rating.
- •Get documentation from a dermatologist that specifically addresses the recognized disfigurement characteristics, not just a general description.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Poor lighting during the exam that can obscure the true extent of scarring.
- •No description of severity using the specific characteristics this rating schedule counts.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •No visual documentation included.
- •Failing to link the disfigurement to a service-connected injury.
Onset Patterns
- •Disfigurement under this code typically results from burns, trauma, or surgical scarring on the head, face, or neck.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
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%: Tissue loss plus gross distortion or asymmetry of three or more facial features, or six or more of the eight listed characteristics of disfigurement.; 50%: Tissue loss plus distortion or asymmetry of two facial featu…
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck at around 30%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 1,100 veterans are service-connected for Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate (~60%) with photos or dermatology…
- 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: A dermatology exam evaluating the specific disfigurement characteristics.; High-resolution photographs documenting the scarring or distortion..
- 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 included.; Failing to link the disfigurement to a service-connected 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.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.118 — Schedule of ratings — skin conditions (Diagnostic Code 7800)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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