VASRD 7102 · Autoimmune Disorders

Scleroderma VA Disability Rating

A disease causing hardening of the skin and possibly internal organs.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
100%Severe body-wide impact
60%Organ damage but manageable
10%Skin thickening only

How the VA Evaluates Scleroderma

Rheumatology diagnosis, ANA test, and documentation of organ systems affected.

Approval rate

Moderate – stronger with systemic involvement or lung/renal symptoms.

Annual service-connected

4,000 veterans

Average rating

30%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • •Biopsy or ANA lab test
  • •Rheumatology notes
  • •Organ-specific imaging

Strategy Tips

  • •Describe all organs affected
  • •Include all autoimmune blood panels
  • •Mention skin and breathing issues

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • •No systemic symptoms documented
  • •Confusion with lupus or psoriasis

Common Filing Mistakes

  • •Not describing systemic impact
  • •Missing organ testing

Onset Patterns

  • •Progressive onset with hardening starting at fingers and moving internally

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Scleroderma. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

  • Pulmonary Fibrosis

    Lung involvement common

  • GERD

    Esophageal dysfunction due to skin tightening

Common questions about Scleroderma

Is Scleroderma a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Scleroderma under VASRD diagnostic code 7102 (Autoimmune Disorders). A disease causing hardening of the skin and possibly internal organs.
What VA disability rating can I get for Scleroderma?
Possible VA ratings for Scleroderma are 100%, 60%, 10%. Examples: 100% — Severe body-wide impact; 60% — Organ damage but manageable; 10% — Skin thickening only.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Scleroderma?
The average awarded rating for Scleroderma is 30%. Roughly 4,000 veterans are service-connected for Scleroderma each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate – stronger with systemic involvement or lung/renal symptoms..
What evidence helps prove Scleroderma for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Scleroderma claim includes: Biopsy or ANA lab test; Rheumatology notes; Organ-specific imaging.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Scleroderma?
Common pitfalls when filing for Scleroderma: Not describing systemic impact; Missing organ testing.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Scleroderma?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Scleroderma include: Pulmonary Fibrosis, GERD. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Scleroderma combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

Open the calculator