Chronic Plantar Warts

DC 7819Skin38 CFR 4.118, DC 7819

Recurring warts on the soles of your feet caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Military service in shared shower and barracks environments increases risk. These warts grow inward due to foot pressure and can cause significant pain when walking or standing. The VA rates them based on how many you have, pain level, and how they affect your ability to walk and work.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 7819

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7819. 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 multiple chronic plantar warts requiring frequent medical treatment, causing significant pain that limits your ability to walk, stand, or work, or requiring surgical excision.

What the VA looks for

Multiple plantar warts at multiple sites
Significant pain limiting walking and standing
Frequent treatment visits (monthly or more)
Surgical excision records
Occupational limitations documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting recurrence — plantar warts often come back after treatment. Every recurrence and retreatment should be in your medical records to show the chronic nature.
⚠Not describing pain with walking — the key to a compensable rating is showing functional impact. Describe how the warts affect your ability to walk, stand, exercise, and work.
⚠Not getting podiatry referral — a podiatrist can provide a more detailed evaluation of how plantar warts affect your gait and foot function than a general practitioner.
⚠Missing secondary claims — chronic plantar warts can alter your gait, leading to knee, hip, or back problems. If you walk differently to avoid pain, document it.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Skin Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Chronic Plantar Warts

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7819

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have multiple chronic plantar warts requiring frequent medical treatment, causing significant pain that limits your ability to walk, stand, or work, or requiring surgical excision.

What the VA looks for

Multiple plantar warts at multiple sites
Significant pain limiting walking and standing
Frequent treatment visits (monthly or more)
Surgical excision records
Occupational limitations documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting recurrence — plantar warts often come back after treatment. Every recurrence and retreatment should be in your medical records to show the chronic nature.

⚠Not describing pain with walking — the key to a compensable rating is showing functional impact. Describe how the warts affect your ability to walk, stand, exercise, and work.

⚠Not getting podiatry referral — a podiatrist can provide a more detailed evaluation of how plantar warts affect your gait and foot function than a general practitioner.

⚠Missing secondary claims — chronic plantar warts can alter your gait, leading to knee, hip, or back problems. If you walk differently to avoid pain, document it.