VA Diagnostic Code 7830Scarring alopecia:
Rated from 0% to 20% under § 4.118. Here is what the VA requires at each level.
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- 20%
Affecting more than 40 percent of the scalp
- 10%
Affecting 20 to 40 percent of the scalp
- 0%
Affecting less than 20 percent of the scalp
Scarring Alopecia (VA Diagnostic Code 7830)
Understanding Your VA Disability Rating for Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia is a skin condition that causes permanent hair loss on the scalp due to scarring. The VA evaluates this condition under Diagnostic Code 7830, part of the skin body system found in 38 CFR § 4.118.
How the VA Rates Scarring Alopecia
The VA assigns a disability rating for scarring alopecia based on how much of the scalp is affected. There are three rating levels:
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Affecting more than 40 percent of the scalp |
| 10% | Affecting 20 to 40 percent of the scalp |
| 0% | Affecting less than 20 percent of the scalp |
What the VA Looks For
When rating scarring alopecia, the VA focuses on the percentage of the scalp that is affected by the condition:
- More than 40% of the scalp affected corresponds to a 20% rating.
- 20% to 40% of the scalp affected corresponds to a 10% rating.
- Less than 20% of the scalp affected corresponds to a 0% rating.
The extent of the scalp involvement is the key factor the VA uses to determine the appropriate rating level under Diagnostic Code 7830.
These criteria are a rendering of § 4.118, diagnostic code 7830. The official version is the one that governs your rating.
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File under diagnostic code 7830 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Skin codes may cover your secondary conditions.
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