For many veterans, eczema is not a minor skin issue it is a chronic condition that disrupts sleep, work, and daily comfort. Flare-ups can persist for years after service, often triggered by stress, environmental exposure, or immune system changes linked to military duty.
Eczema is now the third most commonly rated skin condition by the Department of Veterans Affairs, with more than 556,000 veterans receiving ratings. When properly rated, compensation can exceed $1,300 per month, paid tax-free, making accurate documentation and claim strategy critical.
What Is an Eczema VA Disability Rating?
An eczema VA disability rating determines whether your condition qualifies for compensation and how much you receive each month. The VA does not rely on pain descriptions alone it compares medical evidence to strict regulatory criteria.
“The VA does not guess severity. It follows documentation, percentages of body involvement, and treatment duration very closely,” says James LaPorte, a VA-accredited disability attorney who has represented veterans in skin-condition appeals for over a decade.
Veterans who underestimate the importance of documentation often receive ratings that do not reflect the true impact of their condition.
Eczema vs. Dermatitis: How the VA Sees It
Although often used interchangeably, eczema and dermatitis are not medically identical. Dermatitis is a broad category that includes eczema and other inflammatory skin disorders.
For VA rating purposes, however, both conditions are evaluated the same way.
“From a claims perspective, the diagnosis label matters less than the symptoms and treatment records,” explains Dr. Emily Carter, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who frequently evaluates veterans for VA disability exams.
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This means veterans diagnosed with either term can still qualify if symptoms meet VA criteria.
How the VA Rates Eczema Under Diagnostic Code 7806?
Eczema is evaluated under Diagnostic Code 7806, using the General Rating Formula for the Skin. The VA focuses on:
- Percentage of total body or exposed areas affected
- Type and duration of treatment
- Whether systemic therapy is required
Eczema VA Rating Levels
| VA Rating | Medical Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Less than 5% body affected; topical therapy only |
| 10% | 5%–20% body or exposed areas affected OR intermittent systemic therapy |
| 30% | 20%–40% body affected OR systemic therapy for 6+ weeks |
| 60% | Over 40% body affected OR constant or near-constant systemic therapy |
Understanding “Systemic Therapy” in VA Claims
Systemic therapy refers to treatment administered orally, by injection, or internally rather than directly to the skin. This includes corticosteroids, biologics, immunosuppressants, and phototherapy.
Topical treatments usually do not qualify unless used so extensively that they affect the entire body.
“If topical treatment crosses into whole-body impact, dermatology review becomes critical because that can shift a claim into systemic-therapy territory,” notes Dr. Marcus Reynolds, a former VA Compensation & Pension medical examiner.
Eligibility Rules for an Eczema VA Rating
Veterans must meet four key requirements:
- A current medical diagnosis
- Proof of service connection
- Persistent symptoms, not resolved conditions
- Qualifying military service, verified by DD-214
“Consistency between private medical records and VA treatment notes significantly strengthens eczema claims and reduces the chance of under-rating,” advises Laura Mitchell, a VA claims consultant and former Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
How Veterans Can Get an Eczema Diagnosis?
The VA accepts diagnoses from licensed medical professionals, including VA providers, private doctors, and telehealth clinicians. Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare may receive evaluations at no cost.
Accurate diagnosis timing and ongoing treatment records are essential.
Proving Service Connection for Eczema
Service connection is often the most difficult part of a claim. Most eczema claims fall into three categories:
Direct Service Connection
Requires:
- Evidence of an in-service event or exposure
- A medical nexus linking service to eczema
Medical opinions must state the condition is “at least as likely as not” related to service.
Secondary Service Connection
Eczema may be caused or aggravated by:
- PTSD or anxiety
- Medication side effects
- Autoimmune or endocrine disorders
Aggravated Pre-Existing Condition
If eczema existed before service but worsened during duty, compensation may apply for the increased severity.
Payment Amounts and Processing Timelines
Monthly compensation depends on rating level and dependent status.
Monthly VA Compensation (2025 Estimates)
| Rating | Monthly Payment (Single Veteran) |
|---|---|
| 10% | ~$171 |
| 30% | ~$524 |
| 60% | ~$1,361 |
Payments are tax-free and issued monthly after approval.
How to Apply for an Eczema VA Rating?
Veterans can apply:
- Online
- By mail using VA Form 21-526EZ
- In person at a VA regional office
Submitting all evidence together helps avoid delays.
Recent Updates Affecting Skin Condition Claims
- 2024–2025: Greater scrutiny on systemic therapy definitions
- 2025: Expanded acceptance of telehealth diagnoses
- Ongoing: Increased reliance on dermatology specialist opinions
Why This Matters for Veterans?
Eczema can affect employment, mental health, and long-term stability. Many veterans are under-rated not denied leading to years of lost compensation.
“Under-rating is far more common than outright denial, and it quietly costs veterans thousands of dollars every year,” warns David Hernandez, a veterans’ benefits advocate specializing in chronic skin conditions.
FAQs
What is the VA rating for eczema?
Eczema is rated at 0%, 10%, 30%, or 60% depending on severity and treatment.
Is eczema considered a VA disability?
Yes, it is recognized under the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.
What qualifies as systemic therapy?
Oral medications, injections, biologics, or phototherapy.
Can eczema be claimed as secondary?
Yes, if linked to another service-connected condition.
Does eczema need to be active to qualify?
Yes, symptoms must be ongoing.
