Diagnostic Code 7824 · 38 CFR §4.118
DC 7824 covers diseases of keratinization — conditions where the skin produces keratin abnormally, causing thick, scaly, or hardened skin. This includes ichthyosis (inherited or acquired dry scaly skin), keratosis pilaris (rough bumpy skin on arms and legs), keratoderma (thickened palms and soles), and other keratinization disorders. Veterans may develop acquired forms of these conditions from chemical exposures, toxic substance contact, or as secondary effects of other conditions encountered during service.
| 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. |
Dermatology records documenting the specific keratinization disorder are needed. Biopsy results can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment records showing what medications are used demonstrate severity. Photographs during active disease document the extent. If the condition is acquired (not congenital), evidence linking onset to a service-related cause is important.
Congenital conditions existed before service and generally cannot be service-connected unless military service aggravated them beyond their natural progression. If you had mild ichthyosis before service that significantly worsened due to environmental exposures during service, the worsening can be service-connected under the aggravation theory.
Keratosis pilaris (rough bumpy skin, often on upper arms) is extremely common and usually mild. It can be rated under DC 7824 if it is widespread enough or requires systemic treatment. However, for most veterans, the body area affected is small and the condition is managed with topical moisturizers, resulting in a low or 0% rating.