VA Diagnostic Code 7802Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are not associated with underlying soft tissue damage:
A single 10% rating under § 4.118. Here is what the VA requires for it.
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- 10%
Area or areas of 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) or greater
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note (1): For the purposes of DCs 7801 and 7802, the six (6) zones of the body are defined as each extremity, anterior trunk, and posterior trunk. The midaxillary line divides the anterior trunk from the posterior trunk
- Note (2): A separate evaluation may be assigned for each affected zone of the body under this diagnostic code if there are multiple scars, or a single scar, affecting multiple zones of the body. Combine the separate evaluations under § 4.25. Alternatively, if a higher evaluation would result from adding the areas affected from multiple zones of the body, a single evaluation may also be assigned under this diagnostic code
Burn Scars or Other Scars (Not Head, Face, or Neck) — VA Diagnostic Code 7802
Understanding how the VA rates superficial scars that are not associated with underlying soft tissue damage.
Rated under 38 CFR § 4.118 (Skin) — Diagnostic Code 7802
What This Condition Covers
Diagnostic Code 7802 addresses burn scars or scars due to other causes that are located anywhere on the body except the head, face, or neck, and that are not associated with underlying soft tissue damage.
This code focuses on the surface area covered by the scar or scars, rather than on damage to the tissue beneath the skin.
Available Rating Level
Under Diagnostic Code 7802, the VA provides the following rating level:
| Rating | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| 10% | Area or areas of 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) or greater |
What the VA Looks For
When evaluating a scar under this diagnostic code, the VA measures the total area affected by the scar or scars. To reach the 10% level, the affected area must be 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) or greater.
How the Body Is Divided Into Zones
For the purposes of Diagnostic Codes 7801 and 7802, the VA divides the body into six (6) zones:
- Each extremity (arms and legs)
- The anterior (front) trunk
- The posterior (back) trunk
The midaxillary line divides the anterior trunk from the posterior trunk.
How Multiple Scars or Zones Are Handled
- A separate evaluation may be assigned for each affected zone of the body under this diagnostic code if there are multiple scars, or a single scar, affecting multiple zones.
- These separate evaluations are then combined under § 4.25.
- Alternatively, if a higher evaluation would result from adding together the areas affected across multiple zones, a single evaluation may instead be assigned under this diagnostic code.
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 7802. It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.118, diagnostic code 7802. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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