Diagnostic Code 7826 · 38 CFR §4.118
Cutaneous vasculitis is inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin, causing visible purplish spots (purpura), raised bumps, blisters, or skin ulcers. It can be triggered by infections, medications, autoimmune conditions, or toxic exposures. For veterans, it may develop from infections acquired during deployment, medication reactions from military medical care, or toxic exposures during service. The condition can be a one-time event or become chronic with recurring episodes.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Less than 5% of the entire body or less than 5% of exposed areas affected, AND no more than topical therapy required during the past 12-month period. |
| 10% | At least 5% but less than 20% of the entire body, OR at least 5% but less than 20% of exposed areas affected, OR intermittent systemic therapy (corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs) required for a total duration of less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months. |
| 30% | 20 to 40% of the entire body or 20 to 40% of exposed areas affected, OR systemic therapy (corticosteroids or other immunosuppressives) required for a total duration of 6 weeks or more, but not constantly, during the past 12 months. |
| 60% | More than 40% of the entire body or more than 40% of exposed areas affected, OR constant or near-constant systemic therapy (corticosteroids or other immunosuppressives) required during the past 12 months. |
Skin biopsy confirming vasculitis is the gold standard for diagnosis. Blood work including inflammatory markers and autoimmune panels supports the claim. Photographs during active episodes document the extent. Treatment records showing medications needed demonstrate severity. Records linking the onset to a service-related trigger establish the connection.
Yes. Various toxic exposures, including burn pit fumes, industrial chemicals, and certain medications, can trigger vasculitis. If you were exposed to these during service and developed vasculitis, the exposure provides the basis for service connection. Document both the exposure and the timing of symptom onset.
Cutaneous vasculitis is limited to the skin blood vessels. Systemic vasculitis affects blood vessels throughout the body, potentially involving kidneys, lungs, nerves, and joints. If your vasculitis affects internal organs, it would be rated under different diagnostic codes for those affected systems, potentially at much higher ratings.