Superficial Scars — Nonlinear (Not of Head, Face, or Neck)

DC 7802Skin38 CFR 4.118, DC 7802

Superficial scars that are not on the head, face, or neck and are not caused by burns. Superficial means the scar does not go deeper than the skin surface. The VA rates these based on the total area of scarring.

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 7802

Rating range

10% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7802. 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 superficial nonlinear scar or scars cover an area of 144 square inches (929 square centimeters) or greater.

What the VA looks for

Superficial scar area 144+ square inches (929+ sq cm)
Scar is not adherent to underlying tissue
Measurements documented for all scarred areas
Photographs showing extent of scarring

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not combining all scar areas — if you have multiple superficial scars on your body, the total combined area counts toward the 144 square inch threshold.
⚠Accepting a noncompensable rating without checking for pain — many superficial scars are also painful or unstable, which would qualify for a separate 10% rating under DC 7804.
⚠Letting the examiner skip measurements — insist that all scars are measured with length and width recorded. Estimated measurements can undercount your total area.
⚠Not distinguishing this from deep scars — if your scar is adherent to underlying tissue, it may qualify as a deep scar under DC 7801 with lower area thresholds for compensation.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Scars/Disfigurement

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 7802

Rating range

10% – 10%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your superficial nonlinear scar or scars cover an area of 144 square inches (929 square centimeters) or greater.

What the VA looks for

Superficial scar area 144+ square inches (929+ sq cm)
Scar is not adherent to underlying tissue
Measurements documented for all scarred areas
Photographs showing extent of scarring

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not combining all scar areas — if you have multiple superficial scars on your body, the total combined area counts toward the 144 square inch threshold.

⚠Accepting a noncompensable rating without checking for pain — many superficial scars are also painful or unstable, which would qualify for a separate 10% rating under DC 7804.

⚠Letting the examiner skip measurements — insist that all scars are measured with length and width recorded. Estimated measurements can undercount your total area.

⚠Not distinguishing this from deep scars — if your scar is adherent to underlying tissue, it may qualify as a deep scar under DC 7801 with lower area thresholds for compensation.