Hyperhidrosis

DC 7832Skin38 CFR 4.118, DC 7832

A condition that causes excessive sweating beyond what is needed to regulate body temperature. It can affect the hands, feet, armpits, or the entire body. The VA rates it based on how often you cannot handle objects or shake hands due to sweating.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7832

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7832. 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 cannot handle paper or tools because of moisture, and your sweating does not respond to therapy.

What the VA looks for

Unable to handle paper or tools due to sweating
Failed multiple therapies documented
Prescription antiperspirant failure
Botox injection or iontophoresis records
Impact on job performance documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting failed treatments — the 30% rating requires that your sweating is "unresponsive to therapy." You need records showing you tried prescription antiperspirants, oral medications, Botox, or iontophoresis and they did not work.
⚠Not demonstrating functional impairment — the key criteria is inability to handle paper or tools. Document specific examples: dropping items, ruining paperwork, inability to grip tools, constant hand wiping.
⚠Not connecting to service — hyperhidrosis can be caused by anxiety disorders, medications, or injuries sustained during service. Establish the connection through your service treatment records.
⚠Missing secondary conditions — hyperhidrosis commonly causes secondary skin infections (fungal infections of the feet), social anxiety, and occupational impairment that may warrant separate claims.

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 7832

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You cannot handle paper or tools because of moisture, and your sweating does not respond to therapy.

What the VA looks for

Unable to handle paper or tools due to sweating
Failed multiple therapies documented
Prescription antiperspirant failure
Botox injection or iontophoresis records
Impact on job performance documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting failed treatments — the 30% rating requires that your sweating is "unresponsive to therapy." You need records showing you tried prescription antiperspirants, oral medications, Botox, or iontophoresis and they did not work.

⚠Not demonstrating functional impairment — the key criteria is inability to handle paper or tools. Document specific examples: dropping items, ruining paperwork, inability to grip tools, constant hand wiping.

⚠Not connecting to service — hyperhidrosis can be caused by anxiety disorders, medications, or injuries sustained during service. Establish the connection through your service treatment records.

⚠Missing secondary conditions — hyperhidrosis commonly causes secondary skin infections (fungal infections of the feet), social anxiety, and occupational impairment that may warrant separate claims.