Can I get VA compensation for skin conditions?

BONUS-FOR THE VETERAN OF THE VETERAN SHARE OF THE DAY
Do you have a debilitating or painful skin condition? If so, as a vet you’ve probably wondered if it would be possible to receive a VA Disability rating for compensation.

The short answer is, yes, there are instances where the VA will award a compensation rating for skin conditions.

However, because skin conditions are almost impossible to receive an exact categorization due to the numerous causes and symptoms, receiving a rating can be complicated. Often, the cause of the skin condition cannot be determined. Due to this, there is rarely a definite, final definition given for each condition.

Therefore the VA will rate the condition according to the code that “best” defines it, whether it is exact or not.

Skin conditions are rated under 38 CFR 4.118, with the Diagnostic Codes 7800-7833.

Even though the cause of most skin conditions can be hard to determine, it is still necessary to establish the Direct Service Connection proving your condition began because of injuries or incidents during your time of service.

To do this, make sure you receive a current diagnosis of the skin condition, the evidence of the service incident, and the opinion of the physician connecting your skin condition to the service incident.

It can be more difficult to do this with skin conditions than with other, more obvious disabilities, meaning it is very important to have the proper evidence submitted in your claim.