---
title: "DC 7825 - Chronic urticaria:"
diagnostic_code: "7825"
body_system: "Skin"
cfr_section: "§ 4.118"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/skin/7825-chronic-urticaria"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.118"
updated: "2026-07-21T21:19:52.586665Z"
---

# DC 7825 - Chronic urticaria:

Rated under § 4.118. Body system: Skin.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 60% | Chronic refractory urticaria that requires third line treatment for control (e.g., plasmapheresis, immunotherapy, immunosuppressives) due to ineffectiveness with first and second line treatments |
| 30% | Chronic urticaria that requires second line treatment (e.g., corticosteroids, sympathomimetics, leukotriene inhibitors, neutrophil inhibitors, thyroid hormone) for control |
| 10% | Chronic urticaria that requires first line treatment (antihistamines) for control |

## Notes

- For the purposes of this diagnostic code, chronic urticaria is defined as continuous urticaria at least twice per week, off treatment, for a period of six weeks or more

# Chronic Urticaria (VA Diagnostic Code 7825)

*Skin conditions · 38 CFR § 4.118*

## Understanding Chronic Urticaria

Chronic urticaria — commonly known as hives — is a persistent skin condition. For VA rating purposes under Diagnostic Code 7825, chronic urticaria is specifically defined as **continuous urticaria occurring at least twice per week, off treatment, for a period of six weeks or more.**

The VA rates this condition based on the **level of treatment required to control it**, ranging from first line therapy up through advanced, refractory care.

## Available Rating Levels

The rating schedule for chronic urticaria includes the following levels:

| Rating | What It Reflects |
|--------|------------------|
| **60%** | Chronic refractory urticaria that requires third line treatment for control (e.g., plasmapheresis, immunotherapy, immunosuppressives) due to ineffectiveness with first and second line treatments |
| **30%** | Chronic urticaria that requires second line treatment (e.g., corticosteroids, sympathomimetics, leukotriene inhibitors, neutrophil inhibitors, thyroid hormone) for control |
| **10%** | Chronic urticaria that requires first line treatment (antihistamines) for control |

## What the VA Looks For

When rating chronic urticaria, the VA focuses on:

- **Whether the condition meets the definition of "chronic"** — continuous urticaria at least twice per week, off treatment, for six weeks or more.
- **The type of treatment needed to control the condition:**
  - **First line treatment** — antihistamines.
  - **Second line treatment** — corticosteroids, sympathomimetics, leukotriene inhibitors, neutrophil inhibitors, or thyroid hormone.
  - **Third line treatment** — plasmapheresis, immunotherapy, or immunosuppressives, used when first and second line treatments have been ineffective (refractory urticaria).

The higher levels of treatment generally correspond to the higher rating levels in the schedule above.

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