Disfigurement of Head, Face, or Neck

DC 7800Skin38 CFR 4.118, DC 7800

Scarring or disfigurement of the head, face, or neck caused by burns, trauma, or surgery. The VA rates this condition based on how many of the eight characteristics of disfigurement are present, along with tissue loss and distortion of facial features.

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 7800

Rating range

10% – 80%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7800. 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 visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of three or more features or paired sets of features, or you have six or more characteristics of disfigurement.

What the VA looks for

Visible or palpable tissue loss documented
Gross distortion or asymmetry of three or more features
Six or more characteristics of disfigurement
Color photographs from multiple angles
Detailed narrative of all disfiguring characteristics

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not providing color photographs — the VA requires unretouched color photos for disfigurement claims. Take photos from multiple angles in good lighting.
⚠Not understanding the eight characteristics of disfigurement: (1) scar 5+ inches (13+ cm) in length, (2) scar at least 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) wide at widest part, (3) surface contour elevated or depressed on palpation, (4) scar adherent to underlying tissue, (5) skin hypo- or hyper-pigmented in area exceeding 6 sq in (39 sq cm), (6) abnormal skin texture in area exceeding 6 sq in, (7) underlying soft tissue missing in area exceeding 6 sq in, (8) skin indurated and inflexible in area exceeding 6 sq in.
⚠Forgetting to claim separate functional limitation — if your scar also limits motion or function, you may be entitled to a separate rating under DC 7805.
⚠Missing secondary psychological effects — facial disfigurement often causes depression, anxiety, or social isolation that may warrant a separate mental health claim.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Scars/Disfigurement

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 7800

Rating range

10% – 80%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of three or more features or paired sets of features, or you have six or more characteristics of disfigurement.

What the VA looks for

Visible or palpable tissue loss documented
Gross distortion or asymmetry of three or more features
Six or more characteristics of disfigurement
Color photographs from multiple angles
Detailed narrative of all disfiguring characteristics

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not providing color photographs — the VA requires unretouched color photos for disfigurement claims. Take photos from multiple angles in good lighting.

⚠Not understanding the eight characteristics of disfigurement: (1) scar 5+ inches (13+ cm) in length, (2) scar at least 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) wide at widest part, (3) surface contour elevated or depressed on palpation, (4) scar adherent to underlying tissue, (5) skin hypo- or hyper-pigmented in area exceeding 6 sq in (39 sq cm), (6) abnormal skin texture in area exceeding 6 sq in, (7) underlying soft tissue missing in area exceeding 6 sq in, (8) skin indurated and inflexible in area exceeding 6 sq in.

⚠Forgetting to claim separate functional limitation — if your scar also limits motion or function, you may be entitled to a separate rating under DC 7805.

⚠Missing secondary psychological effects — facial disfigurement often causes depression, anxiety, or social isolation that may warrant a separate mental health claim.