---
title: "DC 7809 - Discoid lupus erythematosus."
diagnostic_code: "7809"
body_system: "Skin"
cfr_section: "§ 4.118"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/skin/7809-discoid-lupus-erythematosus"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.118"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:15:32.197624Z"
---

# DC 7809 - Discoid lupus erythematosus.

Rated under § 4.118. Body system: Skin.

Evaluate under the General Rating Formula for the Skin

General Rating Formula For The Skin

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 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 |

## Notes

- Note: Do not combine with ratings under DC 6350

# Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (VA Diagnostic Code 7809)

## Understanding This Skin Condition and How the VA Rates It

Discoid lupus erythematosus is a skin condition rated by the VA under **Diagnostic Code 7809**, part of **§ 4.118** for conditions affecting the **skin** body system.

This condition is evaluated under the **General Rating Formula for the Skin**.

> **Important Note:** Ratings for this condition are **not** combined with ratings under Diagnostic Code 6350.

## Available Rating Levels

The VA assigns a disability rating based on the criteria that most closely match your situation. For Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, the following rating levels may apply:

### 60% Rating
Assigned when at least one of the applicable criteria is met, including:
- **Constant or near-constant systemic therapy** required over the past 12-month period. This therapy may include, but is not limited to:
  - Corticosteroids
  - Phototherapy
  - Retinoids
  - Biologics
  - Photochemotherapy
  - Psoralen with long-wave ultraviolet-A light (PUVA)
  - Other immunosuppressive drugs

### 30% Rating
Assigned when at least one of the applicable criteria is met.

### 10% Rating
Assigned when at least one of the applicable criteria is met.

### 0% Rating
Assigned when **no more than topical therapy** was required over the past 12-month period, and at least one of the applicable criteria is met.

## What the VA Looks For

When rating Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, the VA evaluates the condition using the **General Rating Formula for the Skin**. A key factor is the **type and frequency of treatment** required over the past 12-month period — ranging from topical therapy only (at the 0% level) up to constant or near-constant systemic therapy (at the 60% level).

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under § 4.118, Diagnostic Code 7809. Individual ratings depend on your specific medical circumstances as evaluated by the VA.*

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