---
title: "DC 7801 - Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage:"
diagnostic_code: "7801"
body_system: "Skin"
cfr_section: "§ 4.118"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/skin/7801-burn-scar-s-or-scar-s-due-to-other-causes-not-of-the-head"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.118"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:13:11.441475Z"
---

# DC 7801 - Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck, that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage:

Rated under § 4.118. Body system: Skin.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 40% | Area or areas of 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) or greater |
| 30% | Area or areas of at least 72 square inches (465 sq. cm.) but less than 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) |
| 20% | Area or areas of at least 12 square inches (77 sq. cm.) but less than 72 square inches (465 sq. cm.) |
| 10% | Area or areas of at least 6 square inches (39 sq. cm.) but less than 12 square inches (77 sq. cm.) |

## Notes

- 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 & Scars With Underlying Soft Tissue Damage (Not on Head, Face, or Neck)

**VA Diagnostic Code 7801 — Skin Conditions (§ 4.118)**

## Understanding This Condition

Diagnostic Code 7801 covers burn scars or scars from other causes that are located anywhere on the body **except** the head, face, or neck, and that are **associated with underlying soft tissue damage**.

Under the VA rating system, these scars are evaluated based on the total **area** they affect, measured in square inches (or square centimeters). The larger the affected area, the higher the potential rating.

### How the Body Is Measured

The VA divides the body into **six (6) zones** for the purposes of this diagnostic code:

- Each extremity (arms and legs)
- The anterior trunk (front)
- The posterior trunk (back)

The **midaxillary line** divides the anterior trunk from the posterior trunk.

If you have multiple scars, or a single scar that crosses into more than one zone, a **separate evaluation may be assigned for each affected zone**, and those evaluations are combined under § 4.25. Alternatively, if adding together the areas affected across multiple zones would produce a higher evaluation, a **single evaluation** may be assigned instead.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **40%** | Area or areas of 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) or greater |
| **30%** | Area or areas of at least 72 square inches (465 sq. cm.) but less than 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) |
| **20%** | Area or areas of at least 12 square inches (77 sq. cm.) but less than 72 square inches (465 sq. cm.) |
| **10%** | Area or areas of at least 6 square inches (39 sq. cm.) but less than 12 square inches (77 sq. cm.) |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating a scar under Diagnostic Code 7801, the VA focuses on:

- **The size of the affected area**, measured in square inches or square centimeters
- **Whether the scar is associated with underlying soft tissue damage**
- **The location of the scar**, confirming it is *not* on the head, face, or neck
- **How many body zones are affected**, since separate evaluations may be assigned per zone and combined, or a single evaluation may apply across zones — whichever approach is appropriate

Measuring the total affected area accurately is central to how this condition is evaluated.

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.118