Diagnostic Code 7819 · 38 CFR §4.118
DC 7819 covers benign (non-cancerous) skin growths including lipomas, sebaceous cysts, dermatofibromas, hemangiomas, and other non-malignant skin tumors. While these growths are not cancerous, they can cause pain, disfigurement, and functional limitations depending on their size and location. Veterans may develop benign skin growths related to scarring from injuries, environmental exposures, or as secondary effects of other skin conditions. The VA rates them based on their effects.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Less than 5% of body affected and no more than topical therapy required. |
| 10% | Localized lesions covering 5–20% of the body, OR intermittent systemic therapy less than 6 weeks in past 12 months, OR scars/disfigurement rated 10% under DC 7800–7805. |
| 30% | 20–40% of body affected, OR systemic therapy 6 weeks or more (not constant) in past 12 months, OR scar/disfigurement rated 30% under DC 7800–7805. |
| 60% | More than 40% of body affected, OR constant or near-constant systemic therapy, OR scar/disfigurement rated 60% under DC 7800–7805. |
Medical records documenting the growths and confirming they are benign are necessary. Biopsy results if available confirm the diagnosis. Photographs documenting size, location, and appearance help support the claim. If the growths cause functional limitations or pain, those effects should be documented. Service records connecting the growths to in-service factors establish eligibility.
If they cause symptoms, disfigurement, or functional limitations, yes. The rating depends on their effects, not on whether they are cancerous. Painful lipomas, disfiguring facial growths, and growths that interfere with movement or clothing are all ratable conditions.
If a previously benign growth becomes malignant, file a new claim or request an increase immediately. The cancer would be rated at 100% during treatment under either DC 7818 (non-melanoma) or DC 7833 (melanoma). Having the original benign condition already service-connected makes the cancer claim straightforward as a progression.