Diagnostic Code 7820 · 38 CFR §4.118
DC 7820 is a catch-all code for chronic skin infections not specifically covered by other diagnostic codes. This includes conditions like chronic folliculitis, recurrent boils (furunculosis), hidradenitis suppurativa, cellulitis, chronic bacterial skin infections, parasitic skin infections, and viral skin conditions. Military environments — shared quarters, field hygiene limitations, tropical deployments, body armor wear — are breeding grounds for these infections. Many veterans develop chronic recurring skin infections that persist long after leaving 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. |
Clinical records documenting the chronic or recurrent nature of the infection are essential. Culture results identifying the specific organism support the diagnosis. Treatment records showing the medications needed and frequency of treatment courses demonstrate severity. Photographs of active infections help document the extent. Service records showing the conditions that led to the initial infection establish the nexus.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic condition causing painful, recurrent boils in areas where skin rubs together (armpits, groin, under breasts). It is rated under DC 7820. Because it often requires systemic antibiotics and sometimes immunosuppressive therapy, it can qualify for moderate to high ratings. Severe cases with chronic drainage and scarring may rate even higher.
Yes. If you developed recurrent skin infections during service — common from living conditions, body armor wear, tropical environments — and the pattern has continued, it can be service-connected. The key evidence is service treatment records showing the condition began during service and current records showing it continues.