Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a VA-ratable condition under diagnostic code 7821 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% | More than 40 percent of the entire body or more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected, OR constant or near-constant systemic therapy required during the past 12-month period |
| 30% | 20 to 40 percent of the entire body or 20 to 40 percent of exposed areas affected, OR systemic therapy required for a total duration of six weeks or more during the past 12-month period |
| 10% | At least 5 percent but less than 20 percent of the entire body or at least 5 percent but less than 20 percent of exposed areas affected, OR intermittent systemic therapy required for less than six weeks during the past 12-month period |
| 0% | Less than 5 percent of the entire body or less than 5 percent of exposed areas affected, and no more than topical therapy required during the past 12-month period |
Important Notes
General formula for skin conditions based on body area affected and therapy required
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 7821 to understand what symptoms warrant higher ratings.