Dermatophytosis (Tinea / Ringworm)

DC 7813Skin38 CFR 4.118, DC 7813

A fungal skin infection that includes athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), ringworm (tinea corporis), and scalp fungus (tinea capitis). The VA rates it using the same criteria as dermatitis, based on body area affected and treatment type.

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 7813

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7813. 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 body or exposed areas are affected, or you need constant or near-constant systemic therapy in the past year.

What the VA looks for

Body surface area more than 40% affected
Constant or near-constant oral antifungal therapy
Chronic recurrent infections despite treatment
Multiple body areas affected simultaneously
Secondary bacterial infections documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all affected areas — tinea can affect feet, groin, body, scalp, and nails simultaneously. Make sure the examiner checks and documents every area.
⚠Not realizing oral antifungal pills count as systemic therapy — drugs like terbinafine (Lamisil) or fluconazole taken by mouth are systemic therapy. Over-the-counter creams are not.
⚠Failing to connect to military service — fungal infections commonly develop from communal showers, shared barracks, tropical deployments, or prolonged boot wear. Document the in-service connection.
⚠Not claiming nail fungus separately — onychomycosis (toenail/fingernail fungus) may be documented as part of dermatophytosis and adds to total body surface area affected.

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 7813

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

More than 40 percent of your body or exposed areas are affected, or you need constant or near-constant systemic therapy in the past year.

What the VA looks for

Body surface area more than 40% affected
Constant or near-constant oral antifungal therapy
Chronic recurrent infections despite treatment
Multiple body areas affected simultaneously
Secondary bacterial infections documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all affected areas — tinea can affect feet, groin, body, scalp, and nails simultaneously. Make sure the examiner checks and documents every area.

⚠Not realizing oral antifungal pills count as systemic therapy — drugs like terbinafine (Lamisil) or fluconazole taken by mouth are systemic therapy. Over-the-counter creams are not.

⚠Failing to connect to military service — fungal infections commonly develop from communal showers, shared barracks, tropical deployments, or prolonged boot wear. Document the in-service connection.

⚠Not claiming nail fungus separately — onychomycosis (toenail/fingernail fungus) may be documented as part of dermatophytosis and adds to total body surface area affected.