Exfoliative Dermatitis (Erythroderma)

DC 7817Skin38 CFR 4.118, DC 7817

A severe skin condition where most or all of the skin becomes red, inflamed, and starts peeling off in large sheets. It can be life-threatening and usually requires systemic treatment. The VA has specific rating criteria for this condition.

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 7817

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7817. 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 generalized involvement of the skin with systemic manifestations such as fever, weight loss, or protein loss (hypoproteinemia), and you need constant or near-constant systemic therapy during the past year.

What the VA looks for

Generalized skin involvement with systemic manifestations
Fever, weight loss, or hypoproteinemia documented
Constant or near-constant systemic therapy
Laboratory results showing protein loss
Hospitalizations for exfoliative dermatitis

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting systemic manifestations — the difference between 60% and 100% depends on whether you have systemic symptoms like fever, weight loss, or low protein levels. Get lab work to document these.
⚠Not understanding this is rated differently from standard dermatitis — exfoliative dermatitis uses different criteria (duration of systemic therapy in months, not weeks), so do not confuse it with the DC 7806 criteria.
⚠Missing the underlying cause — exfoliative dermatitis is often caused by another condition (psoriasis, drug reaction, lymphoma). Make sure the underlying condition is also claimed and rated.
⚠Failing to document hospitalization — severe exfoliative dermatitis often requires hospitalization. These records are critical evidence of severity.

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 7817

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Generalized skin involvement with systemic manifestations
Fever, weight loss, or hypoproteinemia documented
Constant or near-constant systemic therapy
Laboratory results showing protein loss
Hospitalizations for exfoliative dermatitis

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting systemic manifestations — the difference between 60% and 100% depends on whether you have systemic symptoms like fever, weight loss, or low protein levels. Get lab work to document these.

⚠Not understanding this is rated differently from standard dermatitis — exfoliative dermatitis uses different criteria (duration of systemic therapy in months, not weeks), so do not confuse it with the DC 7806 criteria.

⚠Missing the underlying cause — exfoliative dermatitis is often caused by another condition (psoriasis, drug reaction, lymphoma). Make sure the underlying condition is also claimed and rated.

⚠Failing to document hospitalization — severe exfoliative dermatitis often requires hospitalization. These records are critical evidence of severity.