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Evidence checklist

Burn Scars of Head, Face, or Neck

DC 780038 CFR § 4.118Musculoskeletal

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
Dermatology or plastic surgery evaluation with scar measurementsCritical

Examination documenting scar location, total area (length x width in cm for each scar), depth, scar characteristics (hypertrophic, keloid, contracted, hypopigmented, hyperpigmented), and any functional limitation of underlying structures.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking burn scars to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting your burn scars of the head, face, or neck to an in-service injury, explosion, chemical exposure, or other service-related incident.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treating physician

0 of 2 collected
Precise scar measurements documenting total areaCritical

Written documentation of measurements for each scar (length x width) and total affected area. VA rates burn scars of head/face/neck under DC 7800 based on area of disfigurement and functional impairment.

Your treating provider · written request
Documentation of functional limitations (eyelid, mouth, nasal passages)

Records documenting any restriction of vision, eyelid closure, mouth opening, nasal airway, or neck motion caused by burn scar contractures.

Your treating provider · written request
03

Treatment records

0 of 1 collected
Documentation of painful or unstable scar characteristics

Records documenting whether scars are painful (spontaneous pain, pain with touch), unstable (non-healing, easily injured), or both -- characteristics supporting additional ratings under DC 7804-7805.

VA or private records · written request
04

Lay statements

0 of 3 collected
Dated photographs of all scar areasCritical

High-quality photographs clearly showing all burn scar areas on the head, face, and neck, including multiple angles. Photos should be taken with a ruler for scale.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
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 →
05

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Scars/DisfigurementCritical

Standardized form capturing scar location, total area, character, and any associated functional limitations for rating under DC 7800-7805.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
06

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
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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.