Xeroderma / Chronic Dry Skin

DC 7806Skin38 CFR 4.118, DC 7806

Severe, ongoing dry skin that goes beyond normal dryness. Often caused by prolonged exposure to harsh environments, chemicals, or extreme climates during military service. Symptoms include cracking, flaking, itching, and skin that bleeds easily. The VA rates this based on how much of your body is affected and what treatment you need.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 7806

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7806. 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 chronic dry skin affects more than 40% of your body or exposed areas, or you need constant or near-constant systemic therapy in the past year.

What the VA looks for

More than 40% body surface area documented
Constant or near-constant systemic therapy
Severe cracking, fissuring, and bleeding
Significant occupational and daily living impact
Photographs documenting extensive involvement

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting the condition to military service — document exposure to harsh environments (desert, extreme cold, chemical agents, decontamination solutions) that caused or worsened the dry skin.
⚠Using only over-the-counter products — if you need prescription-strength treatments, make sure they are documented. Prescription topicals count more toward your rating than drugstore lotions.
⚠Not documenting cracking and bleeding — simple "dry skin" gets dismissed. Document fissures, bleeding, infection risk, and pain, especially on hands and feet.
⚠Failing to claim secondary infections — chronic dry skin with cracking is prone to bacterial and fungal infections. Each infection episode should be documented.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Skin Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Xeroderma / Chronic Dry Skin

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7806

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your chronic dry skin affects more than 40% of your body or exposed areas, or you need constant or near-constant systemic therapy in the past year.

What the VA looks for

More than 40% body surface area documented
Constant or near-constant systemic therapy
Severe cracking, fissuring, and bleeding
Significant occupational and daily living impact
Photographs documenting extensive involvement

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting the condition to military service — document exposure to harsh environments (desert, extreme cold, chemical agents, decontamination solutions) that caused or worsened the dry skin.

⚠Using only over-the-counter products — if you need prescription-strength treatments, make sure they are documented. Prescription topicals count more toward your rating than drugstore lotions.

⚠Not documenting cracking and bleeding — simple "dry skin" gets dismissed. Document fissures, bleeding, infection risk, and pain, especially on hands and feet.

⚠Failing to claim secondary infections — chronic dry skin with cracking is prone to bacterial and fungal infections. Each infection episode should be documented.