---
title: "DC 7804 - Scar(s), unstable or painful:"
diagnostic_code: "7804"
body_system: "Skin"
cfr_section: "§ 4.118"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/skin/7804-painful-scars"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.118"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:13:51.936520Z"
---

# DC 7804 - Scar(s), unstable or painful:

Rated under § 4.118. Body system: Skin.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 30% | Five or more scars that are unstable or painful |
| 20% | Three or four scars that are unstable or painful |
| 10% | One or two scars that are unstable or painful |

## Notes

- Note (1): An unstable scar is one where, for any reason, there is frequent loss of covering of skin over the scar.
- Note (2): If one or more scars are both unstable and painful, add 10 percent to the evaluation that is based on the total number of unstable or painful scars
- Note (3): Scars evaluated under diagnostic codes 7800, 7801, 7802, or 7805 may also receive an evaluation under this diagnostic code, when applicable

# Unstable or Painful Scars (VA Diagnostic Code 7804)

**Understanding how the VA rates unstable or painful scars under 38 CFR § 4.118.**

## What This Condition Covers

Diagnostic Code 7804 addresses scars that are **unstable or painful**. This rating falls under the **Skin** body system in the VA's rating schedule (§ 4.118).

According to the VA's rating rules:

- **An unstable scar** is one where, for any reason, there is frequent loss of covering of skin over the scar.
- A scar may qualify under this code because it is unstable, because it is painful, or both.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a rating based on the **total number of scars that are unstable or painful**:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **30%** | Five or more scars that are unstable or painful |
| **20%** | Three or four scars that are unstable or painful |
| **10%** | One or two scars that are unstable or painful |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating scars under Diagnostic Code 7804, the VA considers:

- **The number of scars** that are unstable, painful, or both — this count determines which rating level applies.
- **Whether a scar is both unstable and painful.** If one or more scars are *both* unstable and painful, the VA adds **10 percent** to the evaluation that is based on the total number of unstable or painful scars.
- **Overlap with other scar codes.** Scars evaluated under Diagnostic Codes 7800, 7801, 7802, or 7805 may *also* receive an evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7804, when applicable.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.118, Diagnostic Code 7804. Individual evaluations depend on the specific findings in each case.*

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