Urticaria (Hives)

DC 7825Skin38 CFR 4.118, DC 7825

A skin condition causing raised, itchy welts (hives) that come and go. Can be chronic when lasting more than six weeks. The VA rates urticaria based on how often episodes occur and what treatment is needed.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7825

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7825. 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 recurrent debilitating episodes of urticaria occurring at least four times during the past 12-month period, and you have no response to antihistamines and require continuous immunosuppressive therapy for control.

What the VA looks for

At least 4 debilitating episodes despite continuous therapy
Continuous immunosuppressive therapy required
Failed antihistamine therapy documented
Multiple ER visits or hospitalizations
Significant functional impairment from episodes

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every episode — the VA needs to see that you had at least four episodes in the past year. Keep a log of every outbreak with dates, photos, and treatment used.
⚠Not showing that episodes are "debilitating" for the 30% and 60% levels — debilitating means the hives significantly interfere with your ability to work or perform daily activities. Document missed work, ER visits, and impact on daily life.
⚠Not recognizing that chronic antihistamine use can support a claim — if you take daily antihistamines (Zyrtec, Benadryl, etc.) to prevent episodes, document this as ongoing treatment.
⚠Failing to claim angioedema — if you also experience swelling of the lips, face, or throat (angioedema), this increases the severity of your claim and should be documented.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Skin Diseases

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 7825

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

At least 4 debilitating episodes despite continuous therapy
Continuous immunosuppressive therapy required
Failed antihistamine therapy documented
Multiple ER visits or hospitalizations
Significant functional impairment from episodes

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every episode — the VA needs to see that you had at least four episodes in the past year. Keep a log of every outbreak with dates, photos, and treatment used.

⚠Not showing that episodes are "debilitating" for the 30% and 60% levels — debilitating means the hives significantly interfere with your ability to work or perform daily activities. Document missed work, ER visits, and impact on daily life.

⚠Not recognizing that chronic antihistamine use can support a claim — if you take daily antihistamines (Zyrtec, Benadryl, etc.) to prevent episodes, document this as ongoing treatment.

⚠Failing to claim angioedema — if you also experience swelling of the lips, face, or throat (angioedema), this increases the severity of your claim and should be documented.