Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin. It is rated under Diagnostic Code 7809 using the General Rating Formula for the Skin. If lupus affects other parts of the body beyond the skin, it may be rated instead under systemic lupus erythematosus in the infectious diseases and immune disorders schedule. The veteran keeps whichever rating is higher, but both ratings cannot be assigned simultaneously for the same lupus condition.
VA Rating Levels
Topical medications used at least once over a 12-month period, or lesions cover less than 5% of the total body, or less than 5% of exposed areas.
Lesions cover 5 to 19% of the total body or 5 to 19% of exposed areas, or systemic therapy was needed for less than 6 weeks total over a 12-month period.
Lesions cover 20 to 40% of the total body or 20 to 40% of exposed areas, or systemic therapy was needed for 6 weeks or more total over a 12-month period.
Lesions cover more than 40% of the total body or more than 40% of exposed areas, or constant or near-constant systemic therapy was needed over a 12-month period.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →If your lupus affects organs or systems beyond the skin, check whether a rating under systemic lupus erythematosus (DC 6350) would be more beneficial. You keep the higher of the two ratings.
- →You cannot be rated under both DLE (skin) and systemic lupus at the same time for the same condition. It is one or the other.
- →Document all flares with photos and medical visits, especially noting the percentage of body and exposed areas affected.
- →DLE commonly affects exposed areas like the face, which can also lead to scarring that may be separately rated under the disfigurement schedule.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR $ 4.118, Diagnostic Code 7809