Common symptoms
- ▸Rash, lesions, or recurrent breakouts
- ▸Itching, burning, or pain
- ▸Disfigurement or scarring
- ▸Exacerbations requiring systemic therapy
Common evidence
- ▸Dermatology evaluation and diagnosis
- ▸Photographs documenting affected area / body surface area
- ▸Treatment records (topical / systemic therapies)
- ▸Service medical records and environmental exposure documentation
Primary service connection examples
- ▸In-service onset or treatment
- ▸Agent Orange exposure (chloracne is presumptive)
- ▸Sun / chemical exposure during service
Secondary service connection examples
- ▸Skin condition flares secondary to service-connected medication
- ▸Scars secondary to documented in-service injury or surgery
Rating basics
Rated under 38 CFR §4.118 by percent of total body surface area (or exposed area) affected and by required treatment in the past 12 months (topical vs. systemic / immunosuppressive). Scars rated separately if painful, unstable, or disfiguring.
Common denial reasons
- ✕No current photos or BSA documentation
- ✕Treatment limited to topical when systemic therapy was needed
- ✕No nexus to service or to a service-connected condition