Nail Disorders / Onychomycosis

DC 7813Skin38 CFR 4.118, DC 7813

Fungal infections or other disorders of the fingernails or toenails. Military service — especially in wet, humid environments or with shared shower facilities — is a common cause. Symptoms include thickened, discolored, crumbling, or painful nails. The VA rates this based on how many nails are affected, what treatment you need, and whether it causes pain.

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% – 30%

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

Your nail disorders affect most nails, require prolonged systemic therapy, and cause significant pain or difficulty with gripping, walking, or wearing shoes.

What the VA looks for

Majority of nails affected documented
Prolonged systemic antifungal therapy (6+ weeks)
Pain interfering with walking or gripping
Difficulty wearing shoes documented
Recurrent infections despite treatment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Thinking nail fungus is "too minor" to claim — chronic onychomycosis that requires oral medications with liver monitoring is a legitimate service-connected condition.
⚠Not getting a fungal culture — a positive culture or KOH prep provides objective evidence of fungal infection, which is stronger than visual diagnosis alone.
⚠Not documenting pain and functional impact — if thickened nails cause pain when walking or wearing boots, or if fingernail damage affects gripping, document it.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — chronic fungal nail infections can lead to cellulitis, ingrown nails requiring surgery, and foot pain that affects gait and causes secondary joint problems.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Skin Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Nail Disorders / Onychomycosis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7813

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your nail disorders affect most nails, require prolonged systemic therapy, and cause significant pain or difficulty with gripping, walking, or wearing shoes.

What the VA looks for

Majority of nails affected documented
Prolonged systemic antifungal therapy (6+ weeks)
Pain interfering with walking or gripping
Difficulty wearing shoes documented
Recurrent infections despite treatment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Thinking nail fungus is "too minor" to claim — chronic onychomycosis that requires oral medications with liver monitoring is a legitimate service-connected condition.

⚠Not getting a fungal culture — a positive culture or KOH prep provides objective evidence of fungal infection, which is stronger than visual diagnosis alone.

⚠Not documenting pain and functional impact — if thickened nails cause pain when walking or wearing boots, or if fingernail damage affects gripping, document it.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — chronic fungal nail infections can lead to cellulitis, ingrown nails requiring surgery, and foot pain that affects gait and causes secondary joint problems.