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Evidence checklist

Other Scars and Effects of Scars

DC 780538 CFR § 4.118Skin

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 2 collected
Nexus opinion linking scar effects to serviceCritical

A medical opinion explaining that the functional limitation is caused by your service-connected scar, not a separate condition.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nerve damage evaluation (if numbness or tingling present)

If your scar causes numbness, tingling, or pain in the surrounding area, a nerve conduction study or neurological exam can document the damage.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

C&P examination

0 of 2 collected
Documentation of functional limitation caused by scarCritical

If your scar limits movement, damages muscles, or affects how a body part works, the examiner should measure and document the specific limitation.

VA-scheduled · request a copy on VA.govHow to get this →
Range of motion testing for joints affected by scarringCritical

If a scar crosses a joint and limits how far you can bend or straighten it, range of motion should be measured with a goniometer and compared to normal values.

VA-scheduled · request a copy on VA.govHow to get this →
03

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Scars/DisfigurementCritical

A standardized VA form capturing any disabling effects of your scar not covered by other scar rating codes.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
05

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180

What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.