Dermatitis / Eczema

DC 7806Skin38 CFR 4.118, DC 7806

Skin inflammation causing itching, redness, and rash. Includes atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and eczema. The VA rates this based on how much of your body is affected and what kind of treatment you need.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 7806

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7806. 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

More than 40 percent of your entire body is affected, or more than 40 percent of exposed areas are affected, or you need constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs during the past 12-month period.

What the VA looks for

Body surface area more than 40% affected
Exposed area more than 40% affected
Constant or near-constant systemic therapy in past 12 months
Prescription records for continuous oral/injectable treatment
Dermatology visit records showing persistent flares

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not scheduling your C&P exam during a flare — dermatitis waxes and wanes. Try to get your exam during an active flare so the examiner can see and document the full extent of your condition.
⚠Not understanding what counts as "systemic therapy" — oral corticosteroids (like prednisone) and immunosuppressive drugs count. Topical creams do NOT count as systemic therapy, no matter how strong they are.
⚠Failing to track total weeks of systemic therapy — the difference between 10% and 30% depends on whether you used systemic therapy for less than or more than six weeks total in the past year. Keep a medication log.
⚠Not having your doctor estimate body surface area — ask your dermatologist to document what percentage of your total body and exposed areas (face, neck, hands) are affected during flares.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Skin Diseases

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

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7806

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Body surface area more than 40% affected
Exposed area more than 40% affected
Constant or near-constant systemic therapy in past 12 months
Prescription records for continuous oral/injectable treatment
Dermatology visit records showing persistent flares

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not scheduling your C&P exam during a flare — dermatitis waxes and wanes. Try to get your exam during an active flare so the examiner can see and document the full extent of your condition.

⚠Not understanding what counts as "systemic therapy" — oral corticosteroids (like prednisone) and immunosuppressive drugs count. Topical creams do NOT count as systemic therapy, no matter how strong they are.

⚠Failing to track total weeks of systemic therapy — the difference between 10% and 30% depends on whether you used systemic therapy for less than or more than six weeks total in the past year. Keep a medication log.

⚠Not having your doctor estimate body surface area — ask your dermatologist to document what percentage of your total body and exposed areas (face, neck, hands) are affected during flares.