Lips, injuries of (DC 7201)

Body system: Digestive SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.114

Lip injuries cover scarring, tissue loss, or disfigurement of the lips from service-connected trauma, surgery, burns, or chemical/thermal exposure. DC 7201 itself has no rating percentage. The VA rates lip injuries entirely under the SCAR codes: DC 7800 (Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, of the head, face, or neck, or other disfigurement of the head, face, or neck) for the disfigurement aspect, plus DC 7804 (Scar(s) unstable or painful) when applicable. The two codes can be applied together when both bases for compensation are present, and combine under 38 CFR § 4.25.

Rating levels

  • -1% — DC 7201 does not have its own rating ladder. The VA rates lip injuries entirely under the SCAR codes: DC 7800 (Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, of the head, face, or neck, or other disfigurement of the head, face, or neck) for the disfigurement aspect, plus DC 7804 (Scar(s) unstable or painful) when applicable. The actual percentage depends on the number and characteristics of the resulting scars and whether they are unstable (frequently breaking down) or painful. The two codes can be applied together when both bases for compensation are present, and combine under 38 CFR § 4.25.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.