40%
Official criteria
Area or areas of 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.) or greaterPlain-language summary
The qualifying area is at least 144 square inches.
Scars with underlying soft tissue damage
For scars not of the head, face, or neck that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage, VA uses total qualifying area thresholds.
Skindeep scarburn scar
Official schedule
Percentage levels and criteria
Plain-language summaries explain the text; they do not decide whether any level applies.
30%
Official criteria
Area or areas of at least 72 square inches (465 sq. cm.) but less than 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.)Plain-language summary
The qualifying area is at least 72 but less than 144 square inches.
20%
Official criteria
Area or areas of at least 12 square inches (77 sq. cm.) but less than 72 square inches (465 sq. cm.)Plain-language summary
The qualifying area is at least 12 but less than 72 square inches.
10%
Official criteria
Area or areas of at least 6 square inches (39 sq. cm.) but less than 12 square inches (77 sq. cm.)Plain-language summary
The qualifying area is at least 6 but less than 12 square inches.
Source record
Open official eCFR source38 CFR § 4.118—Schedule of ratings, skin
38 CFR § 4.118, DC 7801 · Effective Aug 13, 2018 · Reviewed Jul 24, 2026