38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.118
Benign Skin Neoplasms
dc-7819-benign-skin-neoplasms
Skin
Diagnostic code
7819
Why your DC matters: DC 7819 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 7819 — Benign Skin Neoplasms — 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 (7819) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7819”. 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 7819 (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 7819 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 7819 has no independent rating tiers — it directs evaluators to rate by analogy under DC 7800 (head/face/neck disfigurement), DC 7801-7805 (scars), or 'impairment of function.' That sounds underwhelming until you realize most veterans with multiple benign lesions (sebaceous cysts, lipomas, seborrheic keratoses, dermatofibromas, removed nevi) accumulate surgical residuals — and EACH SURGICAL SCAR rates separately under DC 7800-7805. A veteran with a dozen excisions over a career may have a dozen DC 7804 (painful scar) qualifiers. The play is auditing every prior excision and filing each painful or unstable scar individually.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Rate as disfigurement (DC 7800), scars (DC 7801-7805), or impairment of function — DC 7819 has no independent percentages. | Refer to whichever analogy DC applies to the specific lesion or residual. |
What Qualifies Under DC 7819?
Benign skin neoplasm diagnosis
Lipoma, sebaceous cyst, seborrheic keratosis, dermatofibroma, benign nevus, neurofibroma, etc. Pathology confirmation of benign nature.
Rated by analogy to residuals codes
DC 7819 itself = 0%; rating comes from residuals analogies:
- • DC 7800 — Head/face/neck disfigurement (10-80% by characteristics count)
- • DC 7801 — Linear scars, body areas (by size)
- • DC 7802 — Linear scars, head/face/neck (by size)
- • DC 7804 — Painful or unstable scars (10/20/30% by count)
- • DC 7805 — Scars with limitation of motion (by analogy to body part)
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.
“Rate as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800), scars (DC 7801-7805), or impairment of function”
Verbatim from DC 7819. The diagnosis itself doesn't drive a rating — the FUNCTIONAL or COSMETIC RESIDUALS do. Pursue each applicable analogy code for each lesion/scar.
“Painful or unstable scar”
DC 7804 pays 10% for 1-2 painful scars, 20% for 3-4, 30% for 5+. Each post-excision scar can qualify. Most overlooked by veterans with histories of multiple lesion removals.
“Disfigurement of the head, face, or neck — characteristics of disfigurement”
DC 7800 uses 8 specific 'characteristics of disfigurement.' One characteristic = 10%; up to 8 characteristics = 80%. Lesion or scar features (texture, color, induration) count.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Dermatology evaluation with lesion inventory
CRITICALComplete skin survey identifying all benign neoplasms and their locations.
Excision history with operative reports
CRITICALEach prior excision = a scar. Pull all operative reports + pathology reports.
Current scar assessment (size, location, painful, unstable)
CRITICALPer-scar evaluation for DC 7804 (painful/unstable), DC 7801 (linear, body area), DC 7802 (linear, face), DC 7805 (limitation of motion).
Photographs of visible lesions and scars
IMPORTANTCritical for DC 7800 head/face/neck disfigurement characteristics.
Functional impact documentation
IMPORTANTPain on palpation, scar instability, limitation of motion from scar contracture. Drives 'impairment of function' analogy.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring a list of every prior excision with dates and locations
Each excision = a scar. Many veterans forget how many they've had over a career.
Point out every painful or unstable scar individually
DC 7804 counts EACH painful scar. 5+ = 30%. Don't lump scars together.
Bring photographs of visible lesions and scars
Critical for DC 7800 disfigurement characteristics on head/face/neck.
Don't accept '0% — benign condition'
Benign lesion itself is 0%, but residuals (scars) and disfigurement characteristics rate separately. Audit each.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Accepting 0% without auditing post-excision scars
Each surgical scar from a benign lesion removal is independently ratable under DC 7804 (painful), DC 7801 (linear), or DC 7800 (face). Audit all prior excisions.
Lumping multiple painful scars together
DC 7804 specifically counts EACH painful scar: 1-2 = 10%, 3-4 = 20%, 5+ = 30%. File each scar individually.
Missing DC 7800 face/head/neck characteristics
DC 7800 has 8 'characteristics of disfigurement.' Each characteristic adds a tier. Many veterans miss multiple characteristics that compound to 30-50% on facial lesions.
Filing only the underlying condition (e.g., neurofibromatosis)
If you have a systemic condition causing multiple benign neoplasms, file BOTH the systemic condition AND each ratable scar/disfigurement separately.
Tactical Plays
⚡ Audit EVERY prior excision and file each painful scar separately
DC 7804 counts each painful or unstable scar. A veteran with 5+ excisions over a career can reach 30% on DC 7804 alone. Pull all prior operative reports and request a per-scar pain evaluation at the C&P.
⚡ Stack DC 7800 disfigurement characteristics for face/head/neck lesions
8 characteristics × 10% each, up to 80%. Each lesion or scar with abnormal texture, color, induration, etc., adds a characteristic. Bring photographs and ask the examiner to enumerate.
⚡ Stack scar codes 7801, 7802, 7804, 7805 — they often don't pyramid
Linear scar (7801/7802) + painful (7804) + limitation of motion (7805) can stack if each addresses a distinct attribute. Review with the rater carefully.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Multiple painful surgical scars
STRONGDC 7804
Each prior excision can leave a painful scar. 1-2 = 10%, 3-4 = 20%, 5+ = 30%.
Linear scars (body areas)
MODERATEDC 7801 / 7802
Large linear scars from excision rate by area under DC 7801 (body) or DC 7802 (face).
Facial disfigurement
MODERATEDC 7800
Lesions or scars on head/face/neck with characteristics of disfigurement rate under DC 7800 — up to 80% for 8 characteristics.
Limitation of motion from scar contracture
SITUATIONALDC 7805
Scars that limit joint or facial motion rate by analogy to the underlying motion-limited body part.
Underlying systemic condition (if applicable)
SITUATIONALNeurofibromatosis, Cowden syndrome, etc. — systemic conditions causing multiple benign neoplasms file separately under appropriate codes.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
0% — single, no dependents
TOTAL
$0.00/mo
DC 7819 alone — no residuals.
DC 7804: 1-2 painful scars
Base rating
$180.42
TOTAL
$180.42/mo
Each painful scar counts. Audit all prior excisions.
DC 7804: 5+ painful scars
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Veteran with multiple prior excisions easily reaches this.
DC 7800: 4 characteristics of disfigurement
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Facial lesion or scar with 4 of the 8 disfigurement characteristics.
DC 7800: 8 characteristics + DC 7804 painful
Base rating
$2,102.15
TOTAL
$2,102.15/mo
Maximum DC 7800 + painful scar component on facial disfigurement.
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
🔁Why doesn't DC 7819 have its own percentages?
Because benign neoplasms themselves don't cause functional impairment — the residuals (scars, disfigurement, function impairment) do. The schedule directs you to rate the residuals under the appropriate analogy code.
8️⃣What are the '8 characteristics of disfigurement' for DC 7800?
(1) Scar 5+ inches long, (2) scar ≥ ¼ inch wide, (3) surface contour elevated/depressed, (4) adherent to underlying tissue, (5) hypopigmented or hyperpigmented over 6 sq in, (6) abnormal skin texture over 6 sq in, (7) missing underlying soft tissue, (8) skin indurated and inflexible over 6 sq in. Each characteristic = 10%, up to 80%.
↔️Can DC 7804, 7801, 7805 stack?
Yes if each addresses distinct attributes (pain vs. size vs. limitation). Review with a VSO to ensure no pyramiding — the codes specifically allow stacking when criteria don't overlap.
How to File Your Claim
Pull all prior excision operative reports
Each is potentially a separately ratable scar.
Get dermatology evaluation with full skin survey
Current lesion inventory + scar assessment.
Photograph all visible lesions and scars
Critical for DC 7800 disfigurement characteristics.
File 21-526EZ specifying 'benign skin neoplasms (DC 7819)' + each applicable analogy code
List DC 7804 per painful scar, DC 7800 per facial lesion, DC 7801/7802 per linear scar.
Audit underlying systemic condition (if applicable)
Neurofibromatosis, etc. File the systemic condition AND each ratable residual.
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
DC 7819 itself = 0% — the rating is in the residuals
Always file with the analogy codes (7800, 7801-7805) for actual rating.
Each painful scar counts separately under DC 7804
5+ painful scars = 30%. Audit all prior excisions.
DC 7800 stacks 8 characteristics for face/head/neck
Up to 80% for 8 characteristics of disfigurement. Bring photos.
Stack distinct scar codes if attributes differ
Painful (7804) + linear by size (7801) + motion limitation (7805) can stack when attributes are distinct.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is DC 7819 always 0%?
The benign neoplasm itself doesn't cause functional impairment — the residuals (scars, disfigurement, function impairment) do. The schedule directs you to rate the residuals under DC 7800, 7801-7805, or by analogy to impairment of function.
Can I rate each surgical scar from prior lesion removals?
Yes — each painful or unstable scar is independently ratable under DC 7804. 1-2 painful scars = 10%, 3-4 = 20%, 5+ = 30%. Audit all prior excisions.
How do disfigurement ratings work for facial lesions?
DC 7800 uses 8 'characteristics of disfigurement' (length, width, contour, adherence, pigmentation, texture, missing tissue, induration). Each characteristic adds a tier, up to 80% for 8 characteristics.
What if I have a systemic condition like neurofibromatosis?
File the systemic condition under whichever code applies + each ratable residual (DC 7804 for painful scars, DC 7800 for facial disfigurement). They stack.
Official Regulatory Source
Benign skin neoplasms are 'rated' under DC 7819 by analogy to scar codes (DC 7800-7805) or impairment of function.
38 CFR § 4.118 — Skin (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 7819 + reference DC 7800-7805 for residuals.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7819, 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 7819 • 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.