Surgery scars are a common outcome of medical procedures, whether from combat injuries, routine service-connected surgeries, or treatments during active duty. While most scars are a sign of healing, many veterans deal with chronic pain, instability, or significant disfigurement that affects their daily lives.
For 2026, the VA has placed greater emphasis on objective medical evidence, such as physical signs like tenderness and skin breakdown, rather than just a veteran’s statement.
Understanding these criteria is the first step in ensuring your service-connected scars are correctly evaluated.
How the VA Evaluates Surgery Scars in 2026
The VA evaluates scars under 38 C.F.R. § 4.118 (Skin Conditions), using Diagnostic Codes 7800–7805. During an evaluation, a VA examiner will use a ruler (measuring in centimeters) and palpation (touch) to assess:
- Size: The total length and width of the scar.
- Instability: Frequent loss of the skin covering (reopening or ulcerating).
- Pain: Objective evidence of tenderness during a physical exam.
- Disfigurement: Changes in skin texture, color, or missing soft tissue.
- Adherence: Whether the scar is “stuck” to the bone or muscle underneath.
2026 VA Disability Ratings for Scars (DC 7804)
As of December 1, 2025, a 2.8% COLA increase went into effect. The following table reflects the estimated monthly compensation for single veterans based on the number of unstable or painful scars.
| Number of Unstable/Painful Scars | VA evaluation |
| 1 to 2 Scars | 10% |
| 3 to 4 Scars | 20%* |
| 5 or more Scars | 30% |
The “10% Bump” Rule
Under Note (2) of Diagnostic Code 7804, if a single scar is documented as being both unstable AND painful, the VA adds an additional 10% to the evaluation. For example, if you have one scar that is both unstable and painful, your rating would be 20% instead of 10%.
The 8 Characteristics of Disfigurement
If a scar is on the head, face, or neck, or if it is nonlinear, deep, or irregular, the VA looks for these specific characteristics to determine a rating (which can reach up to 80%):
- Length: 5 inches (13 cm) or more.
- Width: 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) or more at the widest part.
- Surface Contour: Elevated or depressed (craters or bumps) on palpation.
- Adherence: Scar is attached to underlying soft tissue or bone.
- Pigmentation: Abnormal color over an area exceeding 6 square inches.
- Texture: Abnormal texture (shiny, scaly, atrophic) over 6 square inches.
- Tissue Loss: Missing soft tissue beneath the scar.
- Hardness: Skin is hardened (indurated) over an area exceeding 6 square inches.
Secondary Conditions and Complications
Surgery scars often don’t stand alone. They can lead to or worsen other conditions, which can be claimed as secondary service connections:
- Restricted Movement: Scars near joints (contractures) can limit your range of motion.
- Mental Health: Significant disfigurement can contribute to social anxiety or depression.
- Nerve Damage: Scars that are painful or “tender” often involve underlying nerve compression.
2026 Update: The Need for Objective Evidence
For 2026, the VA is stricter regarding “painful” ratings. Simply telling an examiner a scar hurts is often insufficient.
Objective evidence is now the gold standard. This includes:
- Clinical Notes: A doctor’s observation of “exquisite tenderness” or “wincing on palpation.”
- Treatment Logs: Evidence of using silicone sheets, steroid injections, or physical therapy for the scar.
- Photography: Clear photos showing “loss of covering” (instability) or inflammation.
How Trajector Medical Can Help
Applying for VA disability benefits can be a challenging journey. Clear and concise medical documentation is crucial for the success of any disability claim. If you’re unsure about your documentation, talk to one of our licensed medical experts for FREE.
And know that at the heart of everything we do at Trajector Medical are the stories of our clients. We are proud to say that we have surpassed 1,000 recorded testimonial videos on our YouTube Channel. Real people that we have helped by building supporting medical evidence that they used to pursue the disability benefits they choose.
