Discoid lupus erythematosus (DC 7809)

Body system: SkinRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.118

DC 7809 covers cutaneous-only forms of lupus erythematosus: discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE — chronic scarring red coin-shaped plaques, classically on sun-exposed skin of face, scalp, and ears) and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE — annular polycyclic or papulosquamous photosensitive lesions, anti-Ro/SSA antibody-associated). Important: DC 7809 does NOT cover systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is rated under DC 6350 with multi-system criteria. If a veteran has both cutaneous and systemic lupus, only DC 6350 (SLE) is rated — the cutaneous component is part of the systemic disease and anti-pyramiding of § 4.14 prohibits combining DC 7809 with DC 6350. The VA rates DLE/SCLE under the General Rating Formula for the Skin (38 CFR § 4.118) from 0% to 60% based on body-surface coverage or systemic therapy duration. If the lupus causes scarring of the head/face/neck, that scarring is rated separately under DC 7800 (disfigurement) and combined under § 4.25 — the formula here covers the active disease, DC 7800 covers permanent disfigurement.

Rating levels

  • 60% — You qualify for 60% if your discoid lupus (or SCLE) lesions cover more than 40% of your entire body OR more than 40% of exposed areas (face, neck, scalp, hands), OR if you have needed continuous or near-continuous systemic therapy — corticosteroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, photochemotherapy/PUVA, or other immunosuppressives — over the past 12 months. This is the maximum schedular rating for DC 7809.
  • 30% — You qualify for 30% if your discoid lupus (or SCLE) lesions cover 20-40% of your entire body OR 20-40% of exposed areas, OR if you have needed systemic therapy for a total of 6 weeks or more (but not constantly) over the past 12 months.
  • 10% — You qualify for 10% if your discoid lupus (or SCLE) lesions cover 5-19% of your entire body OR 5-19% of exposed areas, OR if you have needed intermittent systemic therapy for less than 6 weeks over the past 12 months.
  • 0% — You qualify for 0% (noncompensable) if you have needed no more than topical therapy (creams, ointments, sunscreens) over the past 12 months AND lesions affect less than 5% of your entire body OR less than 5% of exposed areas.

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.