How Does the VA Rate Scar Tissue Disability Claims?
Did you know that veterans can receive disability for scar tissue that impacts mobility or causes pain? Veterans who have been burned, been in accidents, or underwent surgeries in the military may be eligible for disability compensation for any excessive scar tissue — which is one of the most common disabilities claimed by veterans. Veterans who are investigating scar tissue disability claims via the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) want to know — how does the VA rate scar tissue disability claims — and we may be able to answer your questions at VA Benefits Attorneys.
What Are the VA Disability Ratings for Scar Tissue?
Many veterans who return home from combat or leave the military will have scars to show for it, and many of those scars can have a long-term impact on those men and women. Veterans who have been burned in the line of duty or have had to undergo surgeries that led to scarring or excessive scar tissue may be eligible for disability compensation.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs rates veteran scars based on their location, whether or not there is damage to the underlying muscle and tissue, and whether the scar tissue is painful or unstable. The VA has four separate categories for veteran disabilities related to scar tissue based on the location or stability of the scars — Head, Face, or Neck Scars, Trunk and Extremities Scars, Painful or Unstable Scars, and Other Scars — that each have their own diagnostic code. Veterans who receive disability for excessive scar tissue may receive a disability rating that ranges from 10% – 80% based on the severity of their conditions.
Here is a better look at each category of scars that veterans may receive disability for and how the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs rates that disability:
Head, Face, and Neck Scars
Head, face, and neck scars are rated based on the cosmetic disfigurement they cause, and other characteristics of disfigurement that can include tissue loss, irregular skin texture, or scars that are longer than five inches. Veterans with these scars can receive a disability rating of 10%, 30%, 50%, or 80% based on how many characters of disfigurement are present. These scars are rated under Diagnostic Code 7800.
Trunk and Extremities Scars
When veterans have scars to their chest, back, and extremities below the neck, their disability is rated based on the total surface area of affected skin and if there is any underlying tissue damage. Disability ratings for veterans with scar tissue and underlying tissue damage can be 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% based on surface area. For example — an area of 6 – 12 square inches with underlying tissue damage results in a 10% disability rating.
- Area of 6 – 12 Inches — 10% Disability
- Area of 12 – 72 Inches — 20% Disability
- Area of 72 – 144 Inches — 30% Disability
- Area of 144 Inches or More — 40% Disability
Veterans with superficial scarring that covers at least 144 square inches of their body may receive a 10% disability rating. These scars are rated under Diagnostic Code 7801 and Diagnostic Code 7802.
Painful and Unstable Scars
Excessive scar tissue — especially in the case of burn victims — can cause severe pain that can make a veteran eligible for disability compensation for scars. These disability claims are rated under Diagnostic Code 7804 and can carry a rating of 10%, 20%, or 30% based on the number of scars that cause pain or where the skin breaks down. Veterans with 1 – 2 painful scars will receive a 10% rating, those with 3 – 4 painful scars will receive a 20% rating, and those with five or more painful or unstable scars will receive a 30% rating.
Other Scars
The last category of service-connected scars that may make a veteran eligible for disability include any scars that do not meet the standard criteria for size, disfigurement, pain, or instability. These scars are rated under Diagnostic Code 7805, carry a 10% disability rating, and are limited to scar tissue that covers at least 144 square inches of the body.
READ MORE: What Mental Health Conditions Qualify for VA Disability?
Are you a veteran who deals with pain or mobility issues related to excessive scar tissue? You may be eligible for VA disability compensation for those scars, and VA Benefits Attorneys may be able to help you file a successful disability claim and get the compensation you deserve.
