Traumatic Tattoo / Foreign Body Scarring

DC 7805Skin38 CFR 4.118, DC 7805

Permanent discoloration or scarring from foreign material (dirt, asphalt, metal, gunpowder, shrapnel) embedded in the skin during a traumatic injury. Unlike decorative tattoos, these marks are caused by blasts, vehicle accidents, falls, or explosions during military service. The VA rates this based on pain, scar characteristics, and how the scarring limits your movement or function.

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 7805

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7805. 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 five or more scars that are painful or unstable, or your scarring causes significant functional limitation or disfigurement.

What the VA looks for

Five or more painful or unstable scars documented
Significant functional limitation documented
Embedded foreign material confirmed by imaging
Disfigurement characteristics documented
Detailed photographs from multiple angles

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not differentiating traumatic tattoos from decorative ones — make sure your records clearly describe the injury event (blast, accident, fall) that caused the foreign material to embed in your skin.
⚠Not requesting imaging — X-rays or CT scans can show retained foreign material (metal, glass, gravel) under the skin, which supports your claim.
⚠Forgetting to claim both pain and instability — if a scar is both painful AND unstable, you get an additional 10% added to your rating. Make sure the examiner evaluates both.
⚠Not claiming functional limitation separately — if the scarring limits your range of motion or ability to use the affected body part, that can be rated additionally under DC 7805.
⚠Missing the psychological impact — traumatic tattoos from combat or accidents can cause distress and trigger PTSD symptoms. Consider a secondary mental health claim.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Scars/Disfigurement

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Traumatic Tattoo / Foreign Body Scarring

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7805

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have five or more scars that are painful or unstable, or your scarring causes significant functional limitation or disfigurement.

What the VA looks for

Five or more painful or unstable scars documented
Significant functional limitation documented
Embedded foreign material confirmed by imaging
Disfigurement characteristics documented
Detailed photographs from multiple angles

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not differentiating traumatic tattoos from decorative ones — make sure your records clearly describe the injury event (blast, accident, fall) that caused the foreign material to embed in your skin.

⚠Not requesting imaging — X-rays or CT scans can show retained foreign material (metal, glass, gravel) under the skin, which supports your claim.

⚠Forgetting to claim both pain and instability — if a scar is both painful AND unstable, you get an additional 10% added to your rating. Make sure the examiner evaluates both.

⚠Not claiming functional limitation separately — if the scarring limits your range of motion or ability to use the affected body part, that can be rated additionally under DC 7805.

⚠Missing the psychological impact — traumatic tattoos from combat or accidents can cause distress and trigger PTSD symptoms. Consider a secondary mental health claim.