Eczema and Dermatitis
Eczema and dermatitis are rated under Diagnostic Code 7806 using the General Rating Formula for the Skin. Ratings depend on the percentage of total body or exposed skin (head, neck, hands) that is affected and the type of therapy required. An important rule since August 2018 is that topical medications applied directly to the skin, including topical corticosteroids and immunosuppressives, are NOT considered systemic therapy for VA purposes, even when used continuously. Systemic therapy refers only to treatments that are injected, taken by mouth, or through the nose, including biologics, corticosteroids, photochemotherapy, retinoids, and other immunosuppressive drugs.
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
- →Since August 2018, topical corticosteroids (steroid creams and ointments applied to the skin) do NOT count as systemic therapy for VA rating purposes. Only oral, injectable, or inhaled medications qualify.
- →Body surface area should ideally be assessed during a flare-up, not when your skin is clear. Consider requesting your C&P exam during an active flare.
- →Take dated photos of your skin during flare-ups to help document the extent and severity of affected areas.
- →If your skin condition permanently damages clothing, you may qualify for a yearly clothing allowance of around $1,000.
- →If multiple skin conditions affect the same area of skin, the VA will assign a single rating using whichever condition rates highest. Separate ratings are only possible when each condition has a distinct diagnosis and affects a different area.
- →Eczema can be claimed as secondary to conditions like PTSD (stress-triggered flares), in-service chemical exposures, or immune system disorders.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR $ 4.118, Diagnostic Code 7806