VA Diagnostic Code 7815Bullous disorders (including pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceous, bullous pemphigoid, dermatitis herpetiformis, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, benign chronic familial pemphigus (Hailey-Hailey), and porphyria cutanea tarda).
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
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- 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: Rate complications and residuals of mucosal involvement (ocular, oral, gastrointestinal, respiratory, or genitourinary) separately under the appropriate diagnostic code
VA Disability Ratings for Bullous Disorders (Diagnostic Code 7815)
Bullous disorders are a group of skin conditions that cause blistering. Under VA Diagnostic Code 7815, this category includes:
- Pemphigus vulgaris
- Pemphigus foliaceous
- Bullous pemphigoid
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
- Benign chronic familial pemphigus (Hailey-Hailey)
- Porphyria cutanea tarda
These conditions fall under the Skin body system and are addressed in § 4.118 of the VA rating schedule.
How the VA Rates Bullous Disorders
Bullous disorders are evaluated under the General Rating Formula for the Skin. The rating levels available for this condition are:
| Rating | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| 60% | At least one of the qualifying criteria is met — including constant or near-constant systemic therapy required over the past 12-month period. This systemic therapy includes, but is not limited to, corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy, psoralen with long-wave ultraviolet-A light (PUVA), or other immunosuppressive drugs. |
| 30% | At least one of the qualifying criteria is met. |
| 10% | At least one of the qualifying criteria is met. |
| 0% | No more than topical therapy was required over the past 12-month period, and at least one of the qualifying criteria is met. |
What the VA Looks For
When rating a bullous disorder under the General Rating Formula for the Skin, the VA considers factors such as:
- The type of treatment required over the past 12-month period — ranging from topical therapy only (associated with the 0% level) to constant or near-constant systemic therapy (associated with the 60% level).
- Systemic therapies, which may include corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy, PUVA, or other immunosuppressive drugs.
Complications and Related Conditions
Important note: Complications and residuals of mucosal involvement — such as ocular, oral, gastrointestinal, respiratory, or genitourinary involvement — are rated separately under the appropriate diagnostic code.
This information is drawn from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 7815 under § 4.118. 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 7815. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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