Hives
Hives is a VA-ratable condition under diagnostic code 7825 in the Skin category. Maximum rating: 60%.
Skin Condition Rating Reference
Body Surface Area - Rule of Nines
Source: 38 CFR ยง 4.118 - Schedule of Skin Ratings
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | Requires third line treatment for control (e.g., plasmapheresis, immunotherapy, immunosuppressives) due to ineffectiveness with first and second line treatments. |
| 30% | Requires second line treatment (e.g., corticosteroids, sympathomimetics, leukotriene inhibitors, neutrophil inhibitors, thyroid hormone) for control. |
| 10% | Requires first line treatment (antihistamines) for control. |
Filing Tips
Pro Tip: The VA won't connect the dots for you. That's your job. Build the paper trail before you file.
Gather medical evidence showing a current diagnosis of this condition.
Document in-service events, injuries, or exposures that caused or aggravated this condition.
Consider a nexus letter from a medical professional linking your condition to service.
Review the rating criteria for DC 7825 to understand what symptoms warrant higher ratings.