Body system: SkinRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.118DBQ: DBQ DERM Skin Diseases
The VA rates acne based on how deep and widespread the breakouts are on your face, neck, and other body areas. Deep acne means inflamed nodules and cysts that go beneath the skin's surface, while superficial acne includes blackheads, whiteheads, and smaller pimples. You can get 30% if deep acne covers 40% or more of your face and neck, 10% for less extensive deep acne, or 0% for any superficial acne (which still establishes service connection for future worsening).
Rating levels
- 30% — You qualify for this rating if you have severe acne with deep, painful bumps under the skin (nodules) and pus-filled lumps (cysts) that cover at least 40% of your face and neck area. The acne must be the deep, inflamed type that goes beneath the surface of your skin, not just surface pimples or blackheads.
- 10% — You qualify for this rating if you have severe acne with deep, painful bumps and pus-filled lumps (cysts) that covers less than 40% of your face and neck area. You also qualify if you have this same type of severe, deep acne anywhere else on your body besides your face and neck, regardless of how much area it covers.
- 0% — You qualify for this rating if you have surface-level acne anywhere on your body, including blackheads and whiteheads (comedones), small red bumps (papules), or pus-filled bumps (pustules). The acne only affects the top layer of your skin and can cover any amount of area, from just a few spots to widespread breakouts.