Secondary Condition Claim · VASRD 7804
Scars, Unstable or Painful Secondary to Complete Amputation of the Lower Extremity (Hip Disarticulation or Trans-Pelvic)
A condition caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted its own service connection as a secondary condition under 38 CFR § 3.310. Here's how that works for Scars, Unstable or Painful when it develops after Complete Amputation of the Lower Extremity (Hip Disarticulation or Trans-Pelvic).
Why Scars, Unstable or Painful Is Linked to Complete Amputation of the Lower Extremity (Hip Disarticulation or Trans-Pelvic)
Wheelchair use and prosthetic attempts can cause sores
Primary condition · VASRD 5160
Complete Amputation of the Lower Extremity (Hip Disarticulation or Trans-Pelvic)
Complete amputation of the leg at the hip. The schedule sets two levels: disarticulation, which removes the femur and the intrinsic pelvic musculature only, and trans-pelvic amputation, which also takes some portion of the pelvic bones.
Secondary condition · VASRD 7804
Scars, Unstable or Painful
DC 7804 evaluates scars that are unstable, painful, or both, and it rates them by count — how many scars qualify, not their size, location, or appearance. Note (1) defines an unstable scar as one where, for any reason, there is frequent loss of covering of skin over the scar. A painful scar and an unstable scar count the same toward the tier, and where a single scar is both, Note (2) adds 10 percent on top.
Scars, Unstable or Painful VA Rating Tiers
The VA rates Scars, Unstable or Painful the same way whether it's claimed directly or as secondary to Complete Amputation of the Lower Extremity (Hip Disarticulation or Trans-Pelvic) — severity of Scars, Unstable or Painful itself determines the percentage.
Example combined rating
90% Complete Amputation of the Lower Extremity (Hip Disarticulation or Trans-Pelvic) + 10% Scars, Unstable or Painful = 91%
The VA combines ratings with Table I of 38 CFR 4.25, not simple addition — 90% and 10% combine to 91%, not 100%. These figures are illustrative; your actual rating for each condition depends on your own evaluation.
Email me this Scars, Unstable or Painful secondary guide
Get the rating criteria for Scars, Unstable or Painful, the evidence a secondary claim needs, and why it is linked to Complete Amputation of the Lower Extremity (Hip Disarticulation or Trans-Pelvic) — delivered to your inbox.
Evidence for a Scars, Unstable or Painful Secondary Claim
- •Exam or treatment notes that identify each scar separately and state, for each one, whether it is painful on examination, unstable, or both.
- •Wound-care or dermatology records covering the occasions when a scar lost its covering of skin, since Note (1) makes the frequency of that loss the test for instability.
- •Photographs of each scar with its location, taken at more than one point in time where instability is at issue.
- •A clear total count of the qualifying scars, which is the figure the tiers are drawn on.
Common questions about Scars, Unstable or Painful secondary to Complete Amputation of the Lower Extremity (Hip Disarticulation or Trans-Pelvic)
- Can Scars, Unstable or Painful be service-connected as secondary to Complete Amputation of the Lower Extremity (Hip Disarticulation or Trans-Pelvic)?
- Yes. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, a condition that is caused or aggravated by an already service-connected disability can be granted secondary service connection. Wheelchair use and prosthetic attempts can cause sores You'll need a current Scars, Unstable or Painful diagnosis and a medical nexus opinion linking it to your se…
- What VA rating can I get for Scars, Unstable or Painful as a secondary condition?
- Scars, Unstable or Painful is rated under VASRD diagnostic code 7804 using the same criteria whether it's a direct or secondary claim: possible ratings are 30%, 20%, 10%. The rating depends on the severity of Scars, Unstable or Painful itself, not on the severity of Complete Amputation of the Lower Extremity (Hip Disa…
- How does a secondary Scars, Unstable or Painful claim affect my combined VA rating?
- The VA doesn't add ratings together. Using the official combined-ratings formula (38 CFR 4.25): a 90% rating for Complete Amputation of the Lower Extremity (Hip Disarticulation or Trans-Pelvic) combined with a 10% rating for Scars, Unstable or Painful (example figures) produces a combined rating of 91%, not 100%. Appr…
- What evidence do I need to service-connect Scars, Unstable or Painful as secondary to Complete Amputation of the Lower Extremity (Hip Disarticulation or Trans-Pelvic)?
- Strong evidence for the underlying Scars, Unstable or Painful diagnosis includes: Exam or treatment notes that identify each scar separately and state, for each one, whether it is painful on examination, unstable, or both.; Wound-care or dermatology records covering the occasions when a scar lost its covering of skin,…
Primary condition
Full Complete Amputation of the Lower Extremity (Hip Disarticulation or Trans-Pelvic) guide
Secondary condition
Full Scars, Unstable or Painful guide
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