Lip Injury Residuals

DC 7800Dental/Oral38 CFR 4.118, DC 7800

Residual effects of lip injuries including scarring, disfigurement, loss of tissue, and functional impairment affecting eating, drinking, and speech. Rated under the disfigurement schedule based on the characteristics of the scar and the degree of functional loss.

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

0% – 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 severe disfigurement of the lip with tissue loss and six or more characteristics of disfigurement, or the disfigurement is so severe as to be exceptionally repugnant.

What the VA looks for

Six or more characteristics of disfigurement documented
Severe tissue loss of lip and surrounding structures
Exceptionally repugnant disfigurement noted
Complete loss of lip function documented
Photographs and comprehensive scar evaluation on file

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not having all eight characteristics of disfigurement evaluated during the C&P exam — the examiner must assess each characteristic individually, including scar dimensions, texture, color, and tissue loss.
⚠Not requesting separate functional impairment evaluation — in addition to the disfigurement rating, you may be entitled to a separate rating for functional loss of lip movement affecting eating and speech.
⚠Not submitting photographs that clearly show the disfigurement — color photographs from multiple angles are important evidence for disfigurement claims.
⚠Not filing for secondary mental health conditions — facial disfigurement commonly causes depression, social anxiety, and PTSD that may warrant separate ratings.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Scars/Disfigurement
DBQ Dental and Oral Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Lip Injury Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7800

Rating range

0% – 80%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe disfigurement of the lip with tissue loss and six or more characteristics of disfigurement, or the disfigurement is so severe as to be exceptionally repugnant.

What the VA looks for

Six or more characteristics of disfigurement documented
Severe tissue loss of lip and surrounding structures
Exceptionally repugnant disfigurement noted
Complete loss of lip function documented
Photographs and comprehensive scar evaluation on file

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not having all eight characteristics of disfigurement evaluated during the C&P exam — the examiner must assess each characteristic individually, including scar dimensions, texture, color, and tissue loss.

⚠Not requesting separate functional impairment evaluation — in addition to the disfigurement rating, you may be entitled to a separate rating for functional loss of lip movement affecting eating and speech.

⚠Not submitting photographs that clearly show the disfigurement — color photographs from multiple angles are important evidence for disfigurement claims.

⚠Not filing for secondary mental health conditions — facial disfigurement commonly causes depression, social anxiety, and PTSD that may warrant separate ratings.