Dermatitis or eczema (DC 7806)

Body system: SkinRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.118DBQ: DBQ DERM Skin Diseases

Dermatitis or eczema under DC 7806 covers chronic inflammatory skin conditions — atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis (allergic and irritant), nummular dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema (pompholyx), stasis dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and other forms of chronic skin inflammation. The VA rates this condition under the General Rating Formula for the Skin (38 CFR § 4.118) from 0% to 60% based on either (a) the percentage of body or exposed-area surface affected by characteristic lesions, OR (b) the type and duration of systemic therapy required over the past 12 months — corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy/PUVA, or other immunosuppressives. Topical-only treatment falls in the 0% tier; intermittent systemic therapy bumps it to 10%; 6+ weeks (not constant) of systemic therapy puts it at 30%; constant/near-constant systemic therapy maxes out at 60%. The same formula applies to several other inflammatory and infectious skin conditions (DCs 7809, 7813-7816, 7820-7822, 7824). If the dermatitis causes scarring of the head/face/neck, evaluate that separately under DC 7800 and combine under § 4.25.

Rating levels

  • 60% — You qualify for 60% if your eczema or dermatitis is severe enough to meet either of these: characteristic skin lesions cover more than 40% of your entire body or more than 40% of your exposed areas (face, neck, hands), or you have needed strong systemic medications like corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, PUVA, or other immunosuppressive drugs almost constantly over the past 12 months.
  • 30% — You qualify for 30% if either: characteristic skin lesions cover 20% to 40% of your entire body or 20% to 40% of your exposed areas, or you have needed systemic medications (corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, PUVA, or other immunosuppressive drugs) for a total of 6 weeks or more, but not constantly, over the past 12 months.
  • 10% — You qualify for 10% if any of these apply: characteristic skin lesions cover at least 5% but less than 20% of your entire body; characteristic lesions cover at least 5% but less than 20% of your exposed areas; or you have needed intermittent systemic medications (corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, PUVA, or other immunosuppressive drugs) for a total of less than 6 weeks over the past 12 months.
  • 0% — You qualify for 0% (a non-compensable rating) if both: you have needed no more than topical creams or ointments over the past 12 months, and your characteristic skin lesions cover less than 5% of either your entire body or your exposed areas. The condition is service-connected but is not currently disabling enough for monthly compensation.

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.