Malignant skin neoplasms (other than malignant melanoma) DC 7818
VA rates it under diagnostic code 7818 in 38 CFR 4.118. Body system: Skin.
Also searched as: skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 7 rating levels for this code: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 80%, and 100%. VA picks the level whose criteria best match your symptoms and records.
Source: 38 CFR 4.118 on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
The schedule rates this as DC 7800 (Scars or other disfigurement of the head, face, or neck) or DC 7801 (Scars not of the head, face, or neck that are deep and nonlinear) or DC 7802 (Scars not of the head, face, or neck that are superficial and nonlinear) or DC 7804 (Painful or unstable scars) or DC 7805 (Scars, other; and other effects of scars evaluated under diagnostic codes 7800, 7801, 7802, or 7804).
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 100% | Note: If a skin malignancy requires therapy that is comparable to that used for systemic malignancies, i.e., systemic chemotherapy, X-ray therapy more extensive than to the skin, or surgery more extensive than wide local excision, a 100-percent evaluation will be assigned from the date of onset of treatment, and will continue, with a mandatory VA examination six months following the completion of such antineoplastic treatment, and any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination will be subject to the provisions of § 3.105(e) of this chapter. If there has been no local recurrence or metastasis, evaluation will then be made on residuals. If treatment is confined to the skin, the provisions for a 100-percent evaluation do not apply.true |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.118, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Rate as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800), scars (DC's 7801, 7802, 7803, 7804, or 7805), or impairment of function
Notes in the schedule (1)
Note: If a skin malignancy requires therapy that is comparable to that used for systemic malignancies, i.e., systemic chemotherapy, X-ray therapy more extensive than to the skin, or surgery more extensive than wide local excision, a 100-percent evaluation will be assigned from the date of onset of treatment, and will continue, with a mandatory VA examination six months following the completion of such antineoplastic treatment, and any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination will be subject to the provisions of § 3.105(e) of this chapter. If there has been no local recurrence or metastasis, evaluation will then be made on residuals. If treatment is confined to the skin, the provisions for a 100-percent evaluation do not apply.
Related medications
Medications that can cause or worsen it
If you take one of these for a service-connected condition, this condition may be claimable as secondary to that condition. You need a diagnosis, your prescription records, and a medical opinion.
Hydrochlorothiazide Possible link
The hydrochlorothiazide label notes a higher risk of non-melanoma skin cancer with long-term use.
Check your claim
The claim finder asks about your service and current ratings, then lists conditions you may be able to claim. The calculator shows what a new rating does to your combined rating and monthly pay.
Open the claim finderOpen the VA rating calculator
Free help: an accredited VSO representative can file and track your claim at no cost. Find one near you by ZIP code.
Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
Not affiliated with the VA. VA decides ratings. Free help from an accredited VSO is available at no cost.