VASRD 7804 · Skin Conditions
Scars, Unstable or Painful at 20% VA Disability Rating
Three or four scars that are unstable, painful, or both.
20%: single veteran, no dependents
$356.66
$4,279.92/year · tax-free · effective December 1, 2025
VA Rating Criteria for 20%
Three or four scars that are unstable or painful
20% Pay by Household (2026)
Monthly compensation amounts for Scars, Unstable or Painful rated at 20%. Dependent additions apply at 30% and above.
| Single (no dependents) | $356.66 |
| With spouse | $356.66 |
| With spouse + 1 child | $356.66 |
| With spouse + 2 children | $356.66 |
| Single + 1 child (no spouse) | $356.66 |
Lower tier
10% Scars, Unstable or Painful
$180.42 /mo single
Higher tier
30% Scars, Unstable or Painful
$552.47 /mo single
Common questions about 20% for Scars, Unstable or Painful
- How much does a 20% VA rating for Scars, Unstable or Painful pay?
- A single veteran rated 20% for Scars, Unstable or Painful receives $356.66 per month ($4,279.92/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 $356.66.
- What does it take to get a 20% rating for Scars, Unstable or Painful?
- Three or four scars that are unstable or painful
- What's the difference between 20% and 30% for Scars, Unstable or Painful?
- 20%: Three or four scars that are unstable, painful, or both. 30%: Five or more scars that are unstable, painful, or both.
- Can a secondary condition raise my rating above 20%?
- Yes. If a condition like Skin Infections is service-connected as secondary to Scars, Unstable or Painful, the VA combines both ratings using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25), which can produce a combined rating higher than 20% alone.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.118 — Schedule of ratings — skin conditions (Diagnostic Code 7804)
- VA.gov — 2026 veteran disability compensation rates, effective December 1, 2025
Pay amounts on this page were last checked against VA.gov on August 16, 2026.
See all rating tiers and evidence guidance
Full VASRD criteria, best evidence, exam pitfalls, and secondary conditions for Scars, Unstable or Painful are on the main condition page.
View full Scars, Unstable or Painful guide
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