Diagnostic Code 7802 · 38 CFR §4.118
DC 7802 covers superficial, nonlinear scars located anywhere on the body except the head, face, or neck. Superficial scars are those that do not involve underlying tissue damage — the scarring affects only the skin itself. These commonly result from abrasions, minor burns, skin grafts, or surface-level injuries during military service. While individually these scars may seem minor, their combined area determines the rating.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Area or areas of 144 square inches (929 sq cm) or greater of superficial, nonlinear scars. This is the only available rating under DC 7802. Smaller areas of superficial nonlinear scarring receive 0%. |
Measurements of each superficial scar including length, width, and calculated area are essential. Medical records confirming the scars are superficial (skin-level only) distinguish them from deep scars. Photographs document the extent. Service records connecting the scars to in-service events establish eligibility. If scars cause pain or other functional effects, document those as well for potential separate ratings.
If you have extensive scarring from burns or blast injuries, you may meet the threshold. Even if you do not, filing under DC 7802 gets the scars documented, and you can still receive ratings under DC 7804 (painful scars) or DC 7805 (other scar effects). Getting the scars on record is valuable for future claims.
Yes. Skin graft donor sites are themselves scars and count toward the total area. If you had skin grafts during service, both the graft recipient site and the donor site are separate scars that can be claimed.