Burn scars with underlying soft tissue damage, not of the head, face, or neck — VA Diagnostic Code 7801

Note (2) gives two methods. A separate evaluation may be assigned for each affected zone if there are multiple scars, or a single scar, affecting multiple zones, and those evaluations are combined under 38 CFR § 4.25. Alternatively, if a higher evaluation would result from adding the areas affected from multiple zones, a single evaluation may also be assigned under this diagnostic code. The six zones in Note (1) are each extremity, the anterior trunk, and the posterior trunk. The midaxillary line divides the anterior trunk from the posterior trunk. 38 CFR § 4.7 assigns the higher rating when the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating. Otherwise, the lower rating will be assigned. 38 CFR § 4.6 requires each element affecting the evidence to be studied so that decisions will be equitable and just.

DC 7802 uses the same “not of the head, face, or neck” words, then says the scars “are not associated with underlying soft tissue damage.” Its only percentage is 10, for an area or areas of 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) or greater. It reprints Note (1) and Note (2). DC 7800 is the head, face, or neck code. DC 7804 is “Scar(s), unstable or painful.” Note (3) under DC 7804 says scars evaluated under diagnostic codes 7800, 7801, 7802, or 7805 may also receive an evaluation under that diagnostic code, when applicable. That note does not end with a period. DC 7805 says to evaluate any disabling effect(s) not considered in a rating provided under diagnostic codes 7800-04 under an appropriate diagnostic code.

Section 4.118(b) says two or more skin conditions may be combined in accordance with § 4.25 only if separate areas of skin are involved. If two or more skin conditions involve the same area of skin, then only the highest evaluation shall be used. 38 CFR § 4.14 says the evaluation of the same disability under various diagnoses is to be avoided, and that the evaluation of the same manifestation under different diagnoses is to be avoided. 38 CFR § 4.31 says that in every instance where the schedule does not provide a zero percent evaluation for a diagnostic code, a zero percent evaluation shall be assigned when the requirements for a compensable evaluation are not met. DC 7801’s lowest printed area line is 10. It does not print a 0 percent line.

Source: 38 CFR § 4.118, Diagnostic Code 7801, eCFR full-text XML for 2026-10-01.