38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.118
Dermatophytosis
dc-7813-dermatophytosis
Skin
Diagnostic code
7813
Why your DC matters: DC 7813 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 7813 — Dermatophytosis — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.118 in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Educational index row from the rating schedule naming convention; confirm exact diagnostic code, effective date, and criteria in the current eCFR Part 4.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (7813) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7813”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 7813 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 7813 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
Tinea pedis, cruris, corporis, capitis, barbae, manuum, and unguium (onychomycosis) all rate under DC 7813 — which directs ratings 'as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800), scars (DCs 7801-7805), or dermatitis (DC 7806), depending upon the predominant disability.' That means rating it analogously to whichever underlying DC gives the higher result. Most veterans with chronic post-deployment tinea (especially Vietnam/Gulf/SW Asia) rate too low because the rater defaults to DC 7806 but never asks about systemic therapy.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 60% | Per DC 7806 path — more than 40% of entire body OR more than 40% of exposed areas, OR constant or near-constant systemic therapy (e.g., corticosteroids, immunosuppressives, biologics, antifungals) in past 12 months. | Dermatology note documenting BSA + treatment regimen; systemic antifungal Rx (oral terbinafine, fluconazole, itraconazole) ongoing. |
| 30% | Per DC 7806 path — 20-40% of entire body OR 20-40% of exposed areas, OR systemic therapy 6+ weeks (not constant) in past 12 months. | BSA documentation + Rx records showing 6+ weeks of systemic antifungal. |
| 10% | Per DC 7806 path — at least 5% but less than 20% of entire body OR 5-20% of exposed areas affected, OR intermittent systemic therapy less than 6 weeks in past 12 months. | BSA + Rx history. |
| 0% | Less than 5% of body OR exposed areas; topical therapy only. | Localized minor tinea; OTC or topical Rx only. |
What Qualifies Under DC 7813?
Diagnosis of tinea (dermatophytosis)
Tinea pedis (athlete's foot), cruris (jock itch), corporis (ringworm), capitis (scalp), barbae (beard), manuum (hands), or unguium/onychomycosis (nails). Diagnosed by exam, KOH prep, or culture.
Rated AS dermatitis (DC 7806) or scars/disfigurement
DC 7813 reads: 'Rate as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800), scars (DCs 7801-7805), or dermatitis (DC 7806), depending upon the predominant disability.'
BSA + treatment regimen drive tier
Same schedule as DC 7806:
- • 0% — less than 5% BSA, topical only
- • 10% — 5-20% BSA OR systemic less than 6 wks/year
- • 30% — 20-40% BSA OR systemic 6+ wks/year
- • 60% — more than 40% BSA OR constant systemic therapy
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“Constant or near-constant systemic therapy”
Oral antifungals (terbinafine, fluconazole, itraconazole, griseofulvin) count as systemic therapy. If you're on continuous oral antifungal for chronic tinea unguium or recurrent tinea corporis, you're at 60% under the DC 7806 path.
“Systemic therapy 6+ weeks in 12 months”
Cumulative duration. Multiple short courses of oral terbinafine add up. Pull pharmacy printout for all systemic antifungal fills.
“Body surface area (BSA) percentage”
Tier-driver. The examiner MUST estimate BSA in the DBQ. Have them measure or count palm-widths (~1% BSA each).
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Dermatology evaluation with BSA documentation
CRITICALProvider must record exact percentage of body and exposed-area surface involved. Foundational evidence.
Pharmacy printout of systemic antifungal Rx
CRITICALOral terbinafine, fluconazole, itraconazole, or griseofulvin. Document total weeks of therapy in past 12 months.
Service treatment records from tropical/SW Asia deployments
IMPORTANTTinea acquired in service supports direct service connection. Vietnam, Korea (DMZ), Thailand, SW Asia humid-climate deployments are common sources.
Photos of affected areas
IMPORTANTColor photographs of the worst-affected areas in active flare.
C&P Exam Tips
Insist BSA be measured, not estimated by glance
Use the palm-print method (~1% BSA per palm). A claim of 'less than 5%' should require actual counting.
Bring pharmacy printout of antifungal fills
Examiner cannot credit systemic therapy they don't see. Document continuous or intermittent oral antifungal therapy.
Schedule during active flare if possible
Many tinea infections wax and wane. Exam during an active flare captures realistic BSA, not a treated-down baseline.
Don't downplay onychomycosis (toenail fungus)
Chronic toenail fungus on multiple nails contributes to BSA and is often refractory. Don't say 'just toenail fungus.'
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Filing as 'foot fungus' or 'jock itch'
Generic terms don't anchor to DC 7813. Use 'tinea pedis,' 'tinea cruris,' 'tinea unguium' as appropriate.
Not pursuing systemic-therapy documentation
Oral antifungal Rx history is the cleanest path to 30%/60%. Pull pharmacy printouts for the past 12 months.
Letting examiner skip BSA measurement
If BSA is missing from the DBQ, file HLR. BSA is a CFR-required finding.
Tactical Plays
⚡ Track total systemic-therapy weeks aggressively
DC 7806 path: 6+ weeks cumulative oral antifungal in 12 months = 30%. Constant/near-constant = 60%. Pull pharmacy printouts and add up days dispensed. Many veterans have 6+ weeks they never tabulated.
⚡ Demand BSA measurement, not estimation
Examiners eyeball BSA and often undercount. Insist on palm-print counting (1% per palm). 5% BSA = 10% rating floor.
⚡ Tropical/SW Asia service = strong direct SC nexus
Vietnam, Korea DMZ, Thailand, Gulf War, OEF/OIF veterans with documented tinea onset in service have a strong nexus path. Pull STRs for any rash or skin complaint.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Secondary bacterial cellulitis
SITUATIONALChronic tinea can predispose to recurrent cellulitis; if documented, rate separately.
Painful/deformed nails
SITUATIONALDC 7804
Severely deformed nails causing chronic pain may support DC 7804 by analogy.
Diabetic foot complications
MODERATETinea pedis in diabetic veterans escalates infection risk; document any progression.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
0% — single, no dependents
TOTAL
$0.00/mo
Localized tinea, topical Rx only.
10% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$180.42
TOTAL
$180.42/mo
5-20% BSA OR short course oral antifungal (<6 wks).
30% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
20-40% BSA OR cumulative 6+ wks systemic therapy.
60% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$1,435.02
TOTAL
$1,435.02/mo
More than 40% BSA OR constant systemic therapy.
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
💊What counts as 'Systemic Therapy'?
Oral antifungal medications (terbinafine, fluconazole, itraconazole, griseofulvin) or systemic corticosteroids. Topical creams DO NOT count, even if used continuously.
📐What is 'Body Surface Area' (BSA)?
Percentage of total body surface affected. Quick estimate: one palm = ~1% BSA. CFR-required field on the DBQ.
🦶Is onychomycosis ratable?
Yes — chronic toenail fungus rates under DC 7813. BSA from affected nails contributes to total skin BSA. Often requires oral terbinafine = systemic therapy.
How to File Your Claim
Get a dermatology evaluation with BSA documented
Insist the provider record exact percentage of body involved. KOH or culture confirms species.
Pull pharmacy printout for systemic antifungal Rx
Past 12 months. Add up cumulative weeks of oral terbinafine, fluconazole, etc.
File 21-526EZ specifying tinea type (e.g., 'tinea pedis (DC 7813)')
List all affected areas. Each is part of the cumulative BSA.
Submit STRs documenting in-service onset
Tropical/SW Asia service supports direct nexus. Pull any in-service skin complaint records.
Re-file if BSA increases or systemic therapy escalates
Tinea often spreads if undertreated. Each new affected area increases BSA.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
Topical Rx does NOT count as 'systemic therapy'
Only oral antifungals or systemic corticosteroids qualify. Topical creams cap you at the BSA-only path.
BSA must be measured, not estimated
If the DBQ omits BSA percentage, the rating is defective. File HLR.
Tropical service = strong direct nexus
Vietnam, Korea DMZ, Thailand, Gulf War, OEF/OIF veterans with documented in-service skin issues have a clear direct SC path.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does DC 7813 redirect to DC 7806?
DC 7813 itself doesn't have its own rating schedule — it instructs the rater to use DC 7806 (dermatitis), 7800 (disfigurement), or 7801-7805 (scars) depending on which yields the highest evaluation.
Does athlete's foot really qualify for a VA rating?
Yes if chronic and either affects ≥ 5% BSA or requires recurrent systemic antifungal therapy. Veterans with deployment-acquired tinea pedis are rated routinely.
What's the difference between DC 7806 and DC 7813?
DC 7806 = dermatitis or eczema (non-infectious). DC 7813 = fungal infection (tinea, dermatophytosis). Same rating schedule but different cause — file under the correct code.
Can I claim multiple types of tinea separately?
Usually rated as a single condition with cumulative BSA, since they share an etiology. But each type should be listed on the claim so the BSA is properly aggregated.
Official Regulatory Source
Tinea/dermatophytosis is rated under 38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7813.
38 CFR § 4.118 — Skin (eCFR) →DC 7813 directs ratings via DC 7806 (dermatitis), 7800 (disfigurement), or 7801-7805 (scars).
⚠️ Verify with a VSO
§ 4.118 was restructured in 2018. DC 7807 in the current CFR is American (New World) leishmaniasis, NOT tinea. Older sources referring to DC 7807 for tinea are outdated — current code is 7813.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7813, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 7813 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.