Painful or unstable scars DC 7804
Listed in the rating schedule as “Scar(s), unstable or painful”. VA rates it under diagnostic code 7804 in 38 CFR 4.118. Body system: Skin.
Also searched as: painful scar, scar.
How VA rates it
The schedule allows 3 rating levels for this code: 10%, 20%, and 30%. 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
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 30% | Five or more scars that are unstable or painful |
| 20% | Three or four scars that are unstable or painful |
| 10% | One or two scars that are unstable or painful |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.118, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Notes in the schedule (3)
Note (1): An unstable scar is one where, for any reason, there is frequent loss of covering of skin over the scar.
Note (2): If one or more scars are both unstable and painful, add 10 percent to the evaluation that is based on the total number of unstable or painful scars
Note (3): Scars evaluated under diagnostic codes 7800, 7801, 7802, or 7805 may also receive an evaluation under this diagnostic code, when applicable
Commonly claimed as secondary to
If one of these is already service connected, you may be able to claim this condition as secondary to it.
Knee (limited flexion) DC 5260 Established link
If you had surgery on your knee, a painful or unstable surgical scar can get its own rating.
What to gather: Ask the examiner to look at and measure every surgical scar and note any pain or skin breakdown.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310 (secondary service connection); 38 CFR 4.118 (scar ratings)
Lower back (lumbosacral strain / DDD) DC 5237, 5242 Established link
If you had surgery on your back, a painful or unstable surgical scar can get its own rating.
What to gather: Ask the examiner to look at and measure every surgical scar and note any pain or skin breakdown.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310 (secondary service connection); 38 CFR 4.118 (scar ratings)
Shoulder (limited motion) DC 5201 Established link
If you had surgery on your shoulder, a painful or unstable surgical scar can get its own rating.
What to gather: Ask the examiner to look at and measure every surgical scar and note any pain or skin breakdown.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310 (secondary service connection); 38 CFR 4.118 (scar ratings)
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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.