Claiming Hand Scar / Post-Surgical Hand Residuals?
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VA Rating Tiers
30%
large scars
20%
moderate scars
10%
small symptomatic
0%
minimal
0%
Meets minimum criteria
Rating Notes
- ›30%: Disfiguring scars on the head, face, or neck — or scars with significant functional limitation. DC 7800.
- ›20%: Moderately disfiguring scars — or scars limiting motion or sensation in affected area. DC 7800.
- ›10%: Superficial scars — not disfiguring on visible areas but with documented functional impact. DC 7800.
- ›0%: Scar present but below compensable threshold — service connected but non-compensable.
- ›DC 7800: Scars, disfiguring — rated on size, location (face/head vs. body), and number.
- ›DC 7804: Scars with underlying tissue damage — rated if scar causes limited motion or unstable tissue.
- ›Hand scars may qualify for rating under DC 7804 if they restrict finger or wrist ROM.
- ›Functional loss (ROM limitation, grip weakness) is rated separately under musculoskeletal codes — file both.
- ›Photographs submitted with the claim are strong objective evidence of scar extent and appearance.
- ›Unstable scars (ones that break down or require repeated treatment) support higher ratings.
Eligibility Basics
✅
Current symptoms
✅
In-service event
✅
Diagnosis or lay evidence
- •DC 7800 — disfiguring scars; DC 7804 — scars with underlying soft tissue damage affecting function.
- •Hand scars are rated on size (sq cm), location (visible vs. covered), and whether they cause functional loss.
- •Functional loss from a hand scar (limited ROM, grip weakness) may be rated separately under the appropriate musculoskeletal or nerve code — file both.
- •Combat or blast-related hand wounds with multiple scars are evaluated in total — document all affected areas.
Evidence to Gather
Service Records
- •combat casualty or medical records documenting hand wound, laceration, burn, or blast injury
- •surgical records for hand repair, skin graft, or tendon repair
Medical Evidence
- •dermatology or hand surgery records describing scar characteristics
- •photographs of scars (submitted with claim)
- •orthopedic records if scar causes ROM limitation or grip weakness
Lay Evidence (Buddy Statements)
- •personal statement describing in-service injury and current scar appearance and functional impact
Diagnostic Tests
- •physical examination of scar
- •measurement of scar area (sq cm)
- •functional assessment if motion is limited
C&P Exam Preparation
Exam type: Dermatology / Skin DBQ — Hand Scars
Be ready to describe
- •how and when the hand was injured during service
- •scar size and location (palm, dorsum, fingers)
- •whether scar causes pain, motion restriction, or breaks down with use
Prep notes
- •Bring photographs of the scar — front, back, and close-up.
- •If the scar limits ROM, mention it and request ROM measurement during the exam.
- •Note whether the scar was from a combat wound, blast, burn, or surgery.
- •File a separate claim for any functional loss (finger ROM, grip weakness) caused by the scar.
Quick Facts
- Diagnostic Code
- DC 7800
- Category
- Skin
- Subcategory
- Scars
- Typical Claim Type
- direct
- Rating Range
- 0% – 30%
Also Known As
hand scarhand surgery residualspost-surgical handhand laceration scarhand burn scarhand wound scarsurgical scar handpalmar scardorsal hand scarweb space scar
Related Conditions
Commonly leads to
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