Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck at 50% VA Disability Rating

Common questions about 50% for Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck

How much does a 50% VA rating for Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck pay?

A single veteran rated 50% for Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck receives $1,132.90 per month ($13,594.80/year) under the 2026 VA rates, effective December 1, 2025. VA disability compensation is tax-free. With a spouse and one child, the monthly amount is $1,322.90.

What does it take to get a 50% rating for Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck?

With visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of two features or paired sets of features (nose, chin, forehead, eyes (including eyelids), ears (auricles), cheeks, lips), or; with four or five characteristics of disfigurement

What's the difference between 50% and 80% for Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck?

50%: Tissue loss plus distortion or asymmetry of two facial features, or four or five characteristics of disfigurement. 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.

Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 50%?

Yes. If a condition like Social Anxiety is service-connected as secondary to Disfigurement of the Head, Face or Neck, the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 50% alone.