Cicatricial Pemphigoid

DC 7815Skin38 CFR 4.118, DC 7815

A rare autoimmune blistering disease that mainly affects the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, and throat, causing scarring. It can lead to vision loss and difficulty swallowing. The VA rates it like other bullous disorders.

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 7815

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7815. 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 widespread blistering with severe mucosal scarring requiring constant or near-constant systemic therapy in the past year.

What the VA looks for

Widespread blistering with severe mucosal scarring
Constant or near-constant systemic immunosuppressive therapy
Vision impairment from ocular scarring
Esophageal or laryngeal involvement documented
Multiple specialist treatment records (ophthalmology, ENT, dermatology)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting eye involvement — cicatricial pemphigoid can cause progressive scarring of the eyes leading to blindness. Get regular ophthalmology exams and document all eye findings for a potential separate rating.
⚠Not understanding that dapsone and rituximab are systemic immunosuppressive therapy — these medications commonly used for cicatricial pemphigoid count as systemic therapy for rating purposes.
⚠Failing to claim oral and throat involvement separately — if the disease affects your ability to eat or swallow, this functional impairment may warrant additional ratings.
⚠Not getting a biopsy with direct immunofluorescence — this specific test is required to confirm the diagnosis and distinguish it from other blistering diseases. Without it, your claim is weaker.

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…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7815

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have widespread blistering with severe mucosal scarring requiring constant or near-constant systemic therapy in the past year.

What the VA looks for

Widespread blistering with severe mucosal scarring
Constant or near-constant systemic immunosuppressive therapy
Vision impairment from ocular scarring
Esophageal or laryngeal involvement documented
Multiple specialist treatment records (ophthalmology, ENT, dermatology)

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting eye involvement — cicatricial pemphigoid can cause progressive scarring of the eyes leading to blindness. Get regular ophthalmology exams and document all eye findings for a potential separate rating.

⚠Not understanding that dapsone and rituximab are systemic immunosuppressive therapy — these medications commonly used for cicatricial pemphigoid count as systemic therapy for rating purposes.

⚠Failing to claim oral and throat involvement separately — if the disease affects your ability to eat or swallow, this functional impairment may warrant additional ratings.

⚠Not getting a biopsy with direct immunofluorescence — this specific test is required to confirm the diagnosis and distinguish it from other blistering diseases. Without it, your claim is weaker.