VA Diagnostic Code 7809Discoid lupus erythematosus.
Rated from 0% to 60% under § 4.118. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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Summary
Evaluate under the General Rating Formula for the Skin
What each rating requires
The VA assigns the highest level your evidence actually supports. Read up the stack until your records stop matching.
- 60%
At least one of the following
- 60%
Constant or near-constant systemic therapy including, but not limited to, corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy, psoralen with long-wave ultraviolet-A light (PUVA), or other immunosuppressive drugs required over the past 12-month period
- 30%
At least one of the following
- 10%
At least one of the following
- 0%
No more than topical therapy required over the past 12-month period and at least one of the following
General rating formula
General Rating Formula For The Skin
Notes on this code
These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.
- Note: Do not combine with ratings under DC 6350
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (VA Diagnostic Code 7809)
Understanding This Skin Condition and How the VA Rates It
Discoid lupus erythematosus is a skin condition rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 7809, part of § 4.118 for conditions affecting the skin body system.
This condition is evaluated under the General Rating Formula for the Skin.
Important Note: Ratings for this condition are not combined with ratings under Diagnostic Code 6350.
Available Rating Levels
The VA assigns a disability rating based on the criteria that most closely match your situation. For Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, the following rating levels may apply:
60% Rating
Assigned when at least one of the applicable criteria is met, including:
- Constant or near-constant systemic therapy required over the past 12-month period. This therapy may include, but is not limited to:
- Corticosteroids
- Phototherapy
- Retinoids
- Biologics
- Photochemotherapy
- Psoralen with long-wave ultraviolet-A light (PUVA)
- Other immunosuppressive drugs
30% Rating
Assigned when at least one of the applicable criteria is met.
10% Rating
Assigned when at least one of the applicable criteria is met.
0% Rating
Assigned when no more than topical therapy was required over the past 12-month period, and at least one of the applicable criteria is met.
What the VA Looks For
When rating Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, the VA evaluates the condition using the General Rating Formula for the Skin. A key factor is the type and frequency of treatment required over the past 12-month period — ranging from topical therapy only (at the 0% level) up to constant or near-constant systemic therapy (at the 60% level).
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under § 4.118, Diagnostic Code 7809. Individual ratings depend on your specific medical circumstances as evaluated by the VA.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.118, diagnostic code 7809. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
View official sourceHow to claim this
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