Veterans can receive VA disability benefits for scars when the scar is connected to military service and meets VA rating criteria. Scars may qualify if they are painful, unstable, disfiguring, large, cause limited motion or function, or resulted from a service-related injury, burn, surgery, or medical treatment. For many veterans, scars are more than a cosmetic issue, but may be daily reminders of trauma, combat injuries, accidents, burns, surgeries, or other service-related events. Some scars cause pain, tightness, numbness, sensitivity, or emotional distress. Others affect movement or are located in highly visible areas, such as the face or neck.This guide explains the VA process for scar-related disability claims, including who may qualify, how scars are rated, and what evidence is needed when filing.

When Can Scars Qualify for VA Disability?

To receive VA disability compensation for scars, you usually need to show three things:

• A current scar or residual condition
• An in-service event, injury, illness, or surgery that caused the scar
• A connection between your scar and your military service

Common Service-Connected Causes of Scars

Scars may qualify for VA disability if they resulted from events such as:

• Combat wounds
• Shrapnel injuries
• Gunshot wounds
• Burns
• Lacerations or cuts
• Vehicle accidents
• Training injuries
• Falls
• Explosions or blast injuries
• Surgical procedures during service
• Surgeries for a service-connected condition
• Skin grafts
• Infections or wounds that healed with scarring

What Scars May Qualify for VA Disability

Not every scar receives a compensable rating, but many types could qualify for VA disability benefits. The VA looks at the scar’s location, size, symptoms, appearance, and impact on daily function.

Painful Scars

A scar may qualify if it is painful to the touch, aches, burns, stings, pulls, or causes ongoing discomfort. Painful scars are among the most common scar-related VA claims. Even if the scar is small, pain can support a compensable rating.

Unstable Scars

An unstable scar is one where the skin frequently breaks down or does not heal properly. This may include scars that reopen, ulcerate, bleed, or form recurring sores. Unstable scars can be serious because they may increase the risk of infection and require ongoing care.

Disfiguring Scars

Scars may qualify if they cause visible disfigurement, especially when located on the head, face, or neck. The VA has specific rating criteria for disfigurement in these areas.

Large Scars

The VA measures scars in either square inches or square centimeters, depending on the diagnostic code and the rating criteria used. Larger scars, especially burn scars or scars with underlying soft tissue damage may qualify for higher ratings.

Scars That Limit Function

Some scars cause tightness, pulling, limited range of motion, or reduced use of a body part. This can happen with burn scars, surgical scars, graft sites, or deep scars over joints. When a scar causes functional impairment, the VA may evaluate the limitation separately under the appropriate body system or joint rating criteria.

Scars From Service-Related Surgery

Surgical scars could qualify if the surgery was connected to service. This includes:

• Surgery performed during active duty
• Surgery performed after service for a service-connected disability
• Corrective surgery related to a service injury
• Skin grafts or reconstructive procedures tied to a service-connected condition

How the VA Rates Scars

The VA rates scars under the Schedule for Rating Disabilities, using diagnostic codes for skin conditions. The rating depends on several factors, including:

• Location of the scar
• Size of the scar
• Whether the scar is painful
• Whether the scar is unstable
• Whether there is soft tissue damage
• Whether the scar causes disfigurement
• Whether it limits movement or function

How to File a VA Disability Claim for Scars

You can file a VA disability claim for scars as a new claim, secondary claim, or increased rating claim.

What is the Scar & Its Cause

Write down and gather documentation about:

• Where the scar is located
• How the scar happened
• When the injury or surgery occurred
• Whether it happened during service
• Whether it resulted from treatment for a service-connected condition
• What symptoms you currently have

Gather Medical Records

Gather your medical records related to the injury. If your scar is from a surgery, try to include the operative report and post-surgical records.

Prepare Personal Statements

A personal statement can help explain details that may not be clear in your medical records.

Examples of what you can document include:

• How the scar occurred
• Whether it has changed over time
• Whether it is painful or sensitive
• Whether it reopens or breaks down
• How it affects movement
• How it affects work, sleep, clothing choices, or daily tasks
• Whether it causes embarrassment or emotional distress due to appearance

Filing a VA Disability Claim

You can file your claim online at VA.gov, at a VA regional office, by phone, or with a VA-accredited attorney. 

Get Help with Your VA Disability Claim for Scars 

Filing a VA disability claim for a scar is easier with the right legal guidance, especially when it comes to gathering the medical evidence needed to support your case. Veterans may need documentation showing how the scar occurred during service, along with medical records that describe its size, location, severity, and any symptoms such as pain, tenderness, or limited function. Our VA-accredited attorneys will help organize this evidence, ensure the claim is properly filed, and strengthen the connection between the scar and military service. We can also help if the claim is denied.

Contact us 24/7 by calling us at (833) 922-2799 or filling out our online form for a free case review and consultation.

FAQs

What types of scars qualify for VA disability benefits?

Scars may qualify if they are connected to military service and cause symptoms such as pain, tenderness, instability, disfigurement, or limited movement.

How does the VA rate scars?

The VA rates scars based on factors like size, location, pain, stability, and whether they cause functional impairment or disfigurement, especially on the face, neck, or head.

What evidence do I need for a scar-related VA claim?

Veterans typically need service records showing how the scar occurred, medical records documenting the scar, and evidence of symptoms or functional limitations.

Do I need a medical exam for a scar claim?

The VA may schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to evaluate the severity of the scar.