VA Diagnostic Code 7828Acne:
Rated from 0% to 30% under § 4.118. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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Summary
Or rate as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800) or scars (DCs 7801, 7802, 7804, or 7805), depending upon the predominant disability
What each rating requires
The VA assigns the highest level your evidence actually supports. Read up the stack until your records stop matching.
- 30%
Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting 40 percent or more of the face and neck
- 10%
Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting less than 40 percent of the face and neck, or deep acne other than on the face and neck
- 0%
Superficial acne (comedones, papules, pustules) of any extent
VA Disability Rating for Acne (Diagnostic Code 7828)
Understanding How the VA Rates Acne
Acne is a skin condition rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 7828, found in 38 CFR § 4.118 (the skin body system). Ratings depend on the type of acne, how deep it is, and how much of the face and neck it affects.
Plain-Language Explanation
Not all acne is rated the same way. The VA distinguishes between:
- Deep acne — deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts
- Superficial acne — comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, and pustules
The location and extent of the acne matter. Deep acne on the face and neck is evaluated based on the percentage of those areas affected, while deep acne in other areas is also considered.
In some cases, acne may instead be rated based on its most significant related effect. Depending on the predominant disability, the VA may evaluate the condition as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800) or as scars (DCs 7801, 7802, 7804, or 7805).
Available Rating Levels
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting 40 percent or more of the face and neck |
| 10% | Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting less than 40 percent of the face and neck, or deep acne other than on the face and neck |
| 0% | Superficial acne (comedones, papules, pustules) of any extent |
What the VA Looks For
When rating acne under DC 7828, the VA considers:
- The type of acne — whether it is deep (inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) or superficial (comedones, papules, pustules)
- The extent of coverage — the percentage of the face and neck affected by deep acne
- The location — whether deep acne appears on the face and neck or in other areas
- The predominant disability — whether the condition is better evaluated as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800) or as scars (DCs 7801, 7802, 7804, or 7805)
This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 7828 (38 CFR § 4.118). Individual evaluations are based on the specific medical evidence in each case.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.118, diagnostic code 7828. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
View official sourceHow to claim this
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File under diagnostic code 7828 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Skin codes may cover your secondary conditions.
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