Alopecia Areata

DC 7831Skin38 CFR 4.118, DC 7831

An autoimmune condition that causes hair to fall out in patches. In severe cases, it can cause total loss of scalp hair (alopecia totalis) or all body hair (alopecia universalis). The VA rates it based on the extent of hair loss.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 7831

Rating range

0% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7831. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have hair loss affecting all of the scalp (alopecia totalis) or all of the body (alopecia universalis).

What the VA looks for

Complete scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis)
Complete body hair loss (alopecia universalis)
Dermatology documentation of extent
Photographs showing total hair loss
Treatment records (immunotherapy, corticosteroid injections)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all areas of hair loss — the examiner should check eyebrows, eyelashes, beard area, and body hair in addition to the scalp. Complete body hair loss qualifies for 10%.
⚠Not claiming disfigurement separately — if alopecia causes visible disfigurement of the head, face, or neck, you may qualify for an additional rating under DC 7800.
⚠Forgetting secondary psychological effects — hair loss, especially for younger veterans, commonly causes depression and social anxiety that may warrant a separate mental health claim.
⚠Not connecting to service triggers — alopecia areata can be triggered by physical trauma, severe stress, or autoimmune conditions that started during service. Document the timeline.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Skin Diseases

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Alopecia Areata or rated under the same body system.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

DC 9411·Mental Disorders·Related primary

Disfigurement of Head, Face, or Neck

DC 7800·Skin

Burn Scars — Deep Nonlinear

DC 7801·Skin

Superficial Scars — Nonlinear (Not of Head, Face, or Neck)

DC 7802·Skin

Unstable or Painful Scars

DC 7804·Skin

Other Scars and Effects of Scars

DC 7805·Skin

Dermatitis / Eczema

DC 7806·Skin

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

DC 7809·Skin

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7831

Rating range

0% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have hair loss affecting all of the scalp (alopecia totalis) or all of the body (alopecia universalis).

What the VA looks for

Complete scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis)
Complete body hair loss (alopecia universalis)
Dermatology documentation of extent
Photographs showing total hair loss
Treatment records (immunotherapy, corticosteroid injections)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all areas of hair loss — the examiner should check eyebrows, eyelashes, beard area, and body hair in addition to the scalp. Complete body hair loss qualifies for 10%.

⚠Not claiming disfigurement separately — if alopecia causes visible disfigurement of the head, face, or neck, you may qualify for an additional rating under DC 7800.

⚠Forgetting secondary psychological effects — hair loss, especially for younger veterans, commonly causes depression and social anxiety that may warrant a separate mental health claim.

⚠Not connecting to service triggers — alopecia areata can be triggered by physical trauma, severe stress, or autoimmune conditions that started during service. Document the timeline.