Diagnostic Code 7801 · 38 CFR §4.118
DC 7801 covers deep, nonlinear scars located anywhere on the body except the head, face, or neck. Deep scars are those associated with underlying soft tissue damage — meaning the scar extends beyond just the skin surface into the tissue beneath. These commonly result from burn injuries, blast wounds, surgical procedures, or traumatic injuries during military service. The VA rates these scars based on the total area affected.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Area or areas of at least 6 square inches (39 sq cm) but less than 12 square inches (77 sq cm) of qualifying deep, nonlinear scars. Multiple qualifying scars on different parts of the body can be combined to meet the area threshold. |
| 20% | Area or areas of at least 12 square inches (77 sq cm) but less than 72 square inches (465 sq cm) of deep, nonlinear scars. |
| 30% | Area or areas of at least 72 square inches (465 sq cm) but less than 144 square inches (929 sq cm) of deep, nonlinear scars. |
| 40% | Area or areas of 144 square inches (929 sq cm) or greater of deep, nonlinear scars. This is the maximum schedular rating under DC 7801. |
Detailed measurements of each scar including length, width, and area are critical. Medical documentation confirming the scars are deep (involving tissue beneath the skin surface) is necessary. Photographs showing the scars help document their extent. Service treatment records connecting the scars to in-service injuries or surgeries establish the nexus. If scars are from surgical procedures, the operative reports are helpful.
A deep scar is one associated with underlying soft tissue damage — the injury went beyond just the skin surface into muscle, fat, or connective tissue beneath. Burns that destroyed multiple skin layers, shrapnel wounds, and deep surgical incisions typically produce deep scars. A superficial scar only affects the outer skin layer.
Yes. Scar ratings are separate from any rating for the underlying injury. If you have a knee injury rated at 10% and the surgical scar from knee surgery qualifies under DC 7801, those are two separate ratings that combine together. Never let a rater tell you the scar is included in the joint rating.