Unstable or Painful Scars

DC 7804Skin38 CFR 4.118, DC 7804

Scars that are painful on examination or unstable (meaning the skin over the scar frequently breaks open or loses its covering). The VA rates this based on the number of scars that are unstable or painful.

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 7804

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7804. 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 unstable or painful.

What the VA looks for

Five or more painful or unstable scars documented
Comprehensive scar inventory with pain/instability findings
Photographs of unstable scars showing skin breakdown
Treatment records for scar-related symptoms
Functional impact of scar pain on daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not reporting every painful scar — the count matters. A veteran with five painful scars gets 30% instead of 10%. List every single scar that hurts when touched or pressed.
⚠Not understanding what "unstable" means — an unstable scar is one where the skin covering frequently breaks open or loses its covering. If your scar splits, bleeds, or scabs over repeatedly, it is unstable.
⚠Forgetting that a scar that is both unstable AND painful gets an additional 10% added to the evaluation based on number of qualifying scars.
⚠Not mentioning pain during the C&P exam — the examiner needs to document that the scar is painful on examination. Be honest and clear about which scars hurt when touched.

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 7804

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have five or more scars that are unstable or painful.

What the VA looks for

Five or more painful or unstable scars documented
Comprehensive scar inventory with pain/instability findings
Photographs of unstable scars showing skin breakdown
Treatment records for scar-related symptoms
Functional impact of scar pain on daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not reporting every painful scar — the count matters. A veteran with five painful scars gets 30% instead of 10%. List every single scar that hurts when touched or pressed.

⚠Not understanding what "unstable" means — an unstable scar is one where the skin covering frequently breaks open or loses its covering. If your scar splits, bleeds, or scabs over repeatedly, it is unstable.

⚠Forgetting that a scar that is both unstable AND painful gets an additional 10% added to the evaluation based on number of qualifying scars.

⚠Not mentioning pain during the C&P exam — the examiner needs to document that the scar is painful on examination. Be honest and clear about which scars hurt when touched.