Psoriasis — VA Rating Guide

The rating ladder

What the VA looks for at each percentage.

How to describe it (and win the rating)

• Document body-surface-area involvement during an active flare, not during remission, and specify both total-body and exposed-area percentages separately.
• Clearly identify whether therapy is topical or systemic; topical-only therapy caps the rating at 0 percent under this DC.
• For systemic therapy, record the exact agent(s) and total weeks used across the entire 12-month period, since the 60 percent tier turns on 'constant or near-constant' use.
• Note that under 38 CFR 4.118, psoriasis may alternatively be rated as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800) or scars (DC 7801-7805) depending on the predominant disability — whichever yields the higher evaluation.
• Capture treatment logs (pharmacy refill records) to substantiate the duration-of-therapy thresholds.

Evidence that helps

• Dermatology diagnosis of psoriasis in the medical record
• Body-surface-area measurements (total body and exposed areas) noted during active disease
• Medication list identifying topical vs. systemic agents
• Pharmacy/prescription records establishing dates and total duration of systemic therapy over the past 12 months
• Photographs of affected areas if disfigurement or scarring is claimed alternatively
• Physician statement addressing frequency and constancy of systemic treatment

Next steps

Related conditions & secondary claims

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

• Eczema — Both are chronic skin conditions rated on affected body area and treatment.
• Degenerative arthritis — Psoriatic arthritis links psoriasis to joint disease.

Common questions

What is the VA disability rating for psoriasis?

The VA rates psoriasis under 38 CFR diagnostic code 7816. The rating tiers are: 0% — No more than topical therapy required during the past 12-month period, AND at least one of the following: (a) characteristic lesions involving less than 5 percent of the entire body; OR (b) characteristic lesions involving less than 5 percent of exposed areas affected.; 10% — At least one of the following: (a) characteristic lesions involving at least 5 percent but less than 20 percent of the entire body affected; OR (b) characteristic lesions involving at least 5 percent but less than 20 percent of exposed areas affected; OR (c) intermittent systemic therapy including, but not limited to, biologics, immunosuppressives, retinoids, PUVA (psoralen with long-wave ultraviolet-A light), UVB (ultraviolet-B light), or other therapeutic agents required for a total duration of less than 6 weeks during the past 12-month period.; 30% — At least one of the following: (a) characteristic lesions involving 20 to 40 percent of the entire body affected; OR (b) characteristic lesions involving 20 to 40 percent of exposed areas affected; OR (c) systemic therapy including, but not limited to, biologics, immunosuppressives, retinoids, PUVA, UVB, or other therapeutic agents required for a total duration of 6 weeks or more, but not constantly, during the past 12-month period.; 60% — At least one of the following: (a) characteristic lesions involving more than 40 percent of the entire body affected; OR (b) characteristic lesions involving more than 40 percent of exposed areas affected; OR (c) constant or near-constant systemic therapy including, but not limited to, biologics, immunosuppressives, retinoids, PUVA, UVB, or other therapeutic agents 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 psoriasis?

Monthly pay depends on your assigned rating percentage and your dependents, not the condition alone. Psoriasis 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 psoriasis VA claim?

Evidence that helps includes: Dermatology diagnosis of psoriasis in the medical record; Body-surface-area measurements (total body and exposed areas) noted during active disease; Medication list identifying topical vs. systemic agents; Pharmacy/prescription records establishing dates and total duration of systemic therapy over the past 12 months; Photographs of affected areas if disfigurement or scarring is claimed alternatively; Physician statement addressing frequency and constancy of systemic treatment.

How do I get the correct rating for psoriasis?

To be rated accurately: Document body-surface-area involvement during an active flare, not during remission, and specify both total-body and exposed-area percentages separately.; Clearly identify whether therapy is topical or systemic; topical-only therapy caps the rating at 0 percent under this DC.; For systemic therapy, record the exact agent(s) and total weeks used across the entire 12-month period, since the 60 percent tier turns on 'constant or near-constant' use.; Note that under 38 CFR 4.118, psoriasis may alternatively be rated as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800) or scars (DC 7801-7805) depending on the predominant disability — whichever yields the higher evaluation.; Capture treatment logs (pharmacy refill records) to substantiate the duration-of-therapy thresholds..