Eczema / Dermatitis — VA Rating Guide

The rating ladder

What the VA looks for at each percentage.

How to describe it (and win the rating)

• Document the exact percentage of both the ENTIRE body and the EXPOSED areas (head, face, neck, hands) separately — the higher applicable rating governs.
• Specify every systemic medication by name, dosage, and the total duration of use over the past 12 months, since duration thresholds (less than 6 weeks / 6 weeks or more / constant or near-constant) drive the rating tiers.
• Clearly distinguish topical therapy from systemic therapy (corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs); topical-only treatment caps the rating at 0% if body-area criteria are not met.
• Note that under the revised (Aug 2018) 7806 criteria, topical corticosteroids do not automatically count as systemic therapy unless they act on the body as a whole.
• Record dates of flare-ups to establish whether systemic therapy was 'constant or near-constant' versus intermittent.

Evidence that helps

• Dermatology treatment records showing diagnosis of dermatitis/eczema and clinical findings
• Documentation of percentage of entire body affected
• Documentation of percentage of exposed areas affected
• Prescription records listing systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs with dosage and dates
• Records showing total duration of systemic therapy over the past 12-month period
• Photographs of affected areas during flare-ups
• Statements documenting frequency and severity of outbreaks

Next steps

Related conditions & secondary claims

Conditions medically linked to Eczema — each can be worth a separate or secondary claim:

• Scars — Both are skin conditions rated on affected body area and treatment.
• Rhinitis / sinusitis — Atopic conditions (eczema, rhinitis, asthma) often cluster together.

Common questions

What is the VA disability rating for eczema / dermatitis?

The VA rates eczema / dermatitis under 38 CFR diagnostic code 7806. The rating tiers are: 0% — Less than 5% of the entire body or less than 5% of exposed areas affected, AND no more than topical therapy required during the past 12-month period.; 10% — At least 5% but less than 20% of the entire body, OR at least 5% but less than 20% of exposed areas affected; OR intermittent systemic therapy (such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs) required for a total duration of less than 6 weeks during the past 12-month period.; 30% — 20% to 40% of the entire body OR 20% to 40% of exposed areas affected; OR systemic therapy (such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs) required for a total duration of 6 weeks or more, but not constantly, during the past 12-month period.; 60% — More than 40% of the entire body OR more than 40% of exposed areas affected; OR constant or near-constant systemic therapy (such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs) required during the past 12-month period.. Your exact percentage depends on the severity documented in your records and C&P exam.

How much VA disability compensation is eczema / dermatitis?

Monthly pay depends on your assigned rating percentage and your dependents, not the condition alone. Eczema / Dermatitis can be rated from 0% to 60%. Use the free US Vet Help disability calculator for your exact 2026 monthly amount.

What evidence do I need for a eczema / dermatitis VA claim?

Evidence that helps includes: Dermatology treatment records showing diagnosis of dermatitis/eczema and clinical findings; Documentation of percentage of entire body affected; Documentation of percentage of exposed areas affected; Prescription records listing systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs with dosage and dates; Records showing total duration of systemic therapy over the past 12-month period; Photographs of affected areas during flare-ups; Statements documenting frequency and severity of outbreaks.

How do I get the correct rating for eczema / dermatitis?

To be rated accurately: Document the exact percentage of both the ENTIRE body and the EXPOSED areas (head, face, neck, hands) separately — the higher applicable rating governs.; Specify every systemic medication by name, dosage, and the total duration of use over the past 12 months, since duration thresholds (less than 6 weeks / 6 weeks or more / constant or near-constant) drive the rating tiers.; Clearly distinguish topical therapy from systemic therapy (corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs); topical-only treatment caps the rating at 0% if body-area criteria are not met.; Note that under the revised (Aug 2018) 7806 criteria, topical corticosteroids do not automatically count as systemic therapy unless they act on the body as a whole.; Record dates of flare-ups to establish whether systemic therapy was 'constant or near-constant' versus intermittent..