C&P Exam Guide

Skin Conditions C&P Exam

Skin condition exams evaluate rashes, scars, eczema, psoriasis, and other dermatological issues. The examiner measures affected body surface area (BSA) and exposed area percentage — these numbers directly determine your rating. Bring photos of flare-ups since skin conditions often look different at the exam than at their worst.

DBQ: DBQ - Skin Diseases / Scars
Exam type: In-person (visual examination required)
Typical duration: 20-40 minutes

What the Examiner Looks For

Percentage of total body surface area affected, percentage of exposed areas affected, whether you use systemic therapy (corticosteroids, immunosuppressives) vs. topical treatment, frequency and duration of flare-ups, scarring characteristics (painful, unstable, area), and impact on daily activities.

Related Diagnostic Codes

DC 7800
Burn scar(s) of the head, face, or neck; scar(s) of the head, face, or neck due to other causes; or other disfigurement of the head, face, or neck
DC 7801
Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck that are associated with underlying soft tissue damage
DC 7802
Burn scar(s) or scar(s) due to other causes, not of the head, face, or neck that are not associated with underlying soft tissue damage
DC 7804
Scar(s), unstable or painful
DC 7805
Scars, other; and other effects of scars evaluated under diagnostic codes 7800, 7801, 7802, or 7804
DC 7806
Dermatitis or eczema
DC 7816
Psoriasis
DC 7817
Erythroderma

General Tips for Every C&P Exam

📝Be honest — do not exaggerate or minimize.
📝Describe your WORST days, not your best.
📝Focus on how the condition impacts your daily life and ability to work.
📝Keep a symptom journal or diary before your exam.
📝Review the DBQ for your condition beforehand.
📝Arrive early and bring all relevant records.
📝You can bring a support person (spouse, friend).
📝The exam is for evaluation, not treatment — do not expect prescriptions.
📝The examiner is not your doctor — they report findings to the VA.
📝If you disagree with the exam results, you can request a new exam.

✅ DO

⚠️ Critical tip
Photograph your skin at its WORST — during flare-ups, not remission.
Track flare-up frequency, duration, and triggers in a journal.
Bring a list of all treatments: topical creams, oral meds, light therapy, injections.
⚠️ Critical tip
If you use systemic medication (prednisone, methotrexate, biologics), bring pharmacy records showing duration.

❌ DON'T

⚠️ Critical tip
Do not apply makeup or concealer over affected skin areas before the exam.
Do not schedule during remission if you can avoid it — request rescheduling during active flare if possible.

📋 BRING

⚠️ Critical tip
Photos of worst flare-ups (timestamped phone photos are fine).
Pharmacy printout showing all prescription treatments and durations.
Dermatology treatment records and biopsy results if applicable.

🔍 EXPECT

The examiner will visually inspect and may measure affected areas.
⚠️ Critical tip
They will ask about treatment history — systemic vs topical matters enormously for ratings.
For scars, expect measurements of length, width, and area.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal or medical advice. Every veteran's situation is unique. Consider consulting with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or VA-accredited attorney for personalized guidance.