Chloracne VA Disability Rating: Criteria, Evidence & Pay

What is chloracne and how does it affect veterans?

Chloracne is a severe skin condition caused by exposure to chlorinated chemicals, most notably the dioxins found in Agent Orange and other herbicide agents. Unlike common acne, chloracne produces persistent blackheads (comedones), cysts, nodules, and pustules that typically appear on the face (especially the cheeks), behind the ears, in the armpits, and in the groin area. It is one of the most reliable clinical indicators of significant dioxin exposure.

Veterans who served in Vietnam, Thailand, and other locations where herbicide agents were used are the primary population affected by chloracne. The condition was among the first health effects recognized from Agent Orange exposure and was one of the original presumptive conditions established by the VA. Chloracne can appear within weeks to months of dioxin exposure and may persist for years or decades.

The condition causes more than skin problems. The blackheads and cysts of chloracne are often disfiguring, particularly when they affect the face. The cysts can be painful and prone to infection. Because chloracne indicates significant systemic dioxin exposure, veterans with the condition are at elevated risk for other Agent Orange-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and ischemic heart disease. The skin condition itself is often just the most visible sign of broader toxic exposure.

VA diagnostic code for chloracne

Chloracne is rated under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7829 per 38 CFR § 4.118, Schedule of Ratings — Skin.

DC 7829 rates chloracne on the same scale as dermatitis, based on body surface area affected and treatment required. The maximum rating under DC 7829 is 30%. For more severe cases, the VA may rate by analogy under DC 7806 (dermatitis/eczema), which allows ratings up to 60%.

Presumptive connection: Chloracne is a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to herbicide agents, but it must have manifested to a compensable degree (10% or more) within one year of the last date of exposure. This is a stricter requirement than most other Agent Orange presumptive conditions.

Rating criteria for chloracne

The VA assigns chloracne ratings at three possible levels:

0% rating

Criteria: Less than 5% of the entire body or exposed areas affected, and no more than topical therapy required during the past 12-month period.

Monthly payment: $0 (but establishes service connection, which is important for claiming secondary conditions related to dioxin exposure)

What this looks like: You have a confirmed chloracne diagnosis with minimal active lesions — perhaps scattered blackheads or small cysts that are managed with topical treatments only. The significance of even a 0% rating for chloracne is substantial because it formally documents your dioxin exposure.

10% rating — $180.42/month

Criteria: At least 5% but less than 20% of the entire body, or at least 5% but less than 20% of exposed areas affected; or intermittent systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of less than six weeks during the past 12-month period.

What this looks like: Moderate chloracne with blackheads, cysts, or nodules covering a notable portion of your face, ears, or other affected areas. You may have needed oral antibiotics, retinoids, or short courses of systemic medication to manage flare-ups in the past year.

30% rating — $552.47/month

Criteria: 20% to 40% of the entire body or 20% to 40% of exposed areas affected; or systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required for a total duration of six weeks or more, but not constantly, during the past 12-month period.

What this looks like: Widespread chloracne with significant involvement of the face, ears, neck, and potentially the trunk and extremities. You require extended courses of systemic medication to manage the condition. The cysts and comedones are prominent and may have caused visible scarring.

Note: If your chloracne exceeds 40% body area or requires constant systemic therapy, the VA should rate it by analogy to DC 7806, which allows a 60% rating.

What evidence do you need?

Service records

• Personnel records confirming service in Vietnam, Thailand (qualifying locations), or other areas where herbicide agents were used
• Service dates placing you in qualifying locations during the herbicide exposure period (1962-1975)
• Any service treatment records documenting skin problems during or shortly after service
• Records of duties that involved direct handling of herbicides (if applicable)

Medical evidence

• Dermatologist diagnosis specifically identifying chloracne (not merely acne or dermatitis)
• Clinical photographs showing the distribution and severity of lesions
• Documentation of the characteristic pattern: blackheads and cysts on cheeks, behind ears, axillae, and groin
• Biopsy results if performed (can help distinguish chloracne from other conditions)
• Treatment records documenting all medications used, including duration of any systemic therapy
• Medical records establishing onset within one year of last herbicide exposure (for presumptive claims)

Nexus letter

For presumptive claims, the nexus is established by law — you need the diagnosis, qualifying service, and manifestation within one year. For direct connection claims (beyond one year), a dermatologist’s opinion explaining the medical link between your herbicide exposure and your chloracne is essential. The nexus letter should explain why the skin condition is consistent with dioxin exposure rather than ordinary acne.

Buddy statements

Statements from fellow service members who can confirm your presence in areas where herbicide agents were used, and from family or friends who observed the onset and persistence of your skin condition. Statements describing the appearance and impact of the condition are helpful.

C&P exam tips for chloracne

What the examiner evaluates

• Confirmation that the skin condition is chloracne (specific pattern and characteristics)
• Percentage of body surface area affected
• Percentage of exposed areas affected
• Treatment history — topical versus systemic therapy
• Duration of systemic therapy in the past 12 months
• Presence of scarring from past chloracne lesions
• Connection to herbicide agent exposure

How to prepare

1. Ensure the examiner understands chloracne. Chloracne has a specific distribution pattern different from regular acne. If your examiner seems unfamiliar, be prepared to describe the history and pattern.
2. Bring photographs from over the years. Historical photos showing your skin at different stages help establish the condition’s chronicity and its connection to your service period.
3. Document your treatment history. Know what medications you have used and for how long, distinguishing between topical and systemic treatments.
4. Point out all affected areas. Chloracne appears in characteristic locations — cheeks, behind ears, armpits, groin. Make sure the examiner examines all these areas.
5. Mention scarring. If past chloracne lesions have left scars, these may be ratable separately under DC 7800 (face/neck) or DC 7801-7804 (other locations).
6. Connect to other Agent Orange conditions. If you have other conditions potentially linked to herbicide exposure, mention them. Chloracne supports your dioxin exposure history.

Common secondary conditions linked to chloracne

Chloracne is significant because it serves as evidence of dioxin exposure, which is linked to numerous other conditions:

• Depression — The disfiguring nature of chloracne, particularly on the face, causes significant psychological distress. Many veterans with visible chloracne experience depression related to their altered appearance and the social impact of the condition.
• Anxiety — Social anxiety from visible skin lesions and the broader anxiety of knowing you had significant toxic chemical exposure contribute to anxiety disorders in veterans with chloracne.
• Other Agent Orange conditions — While not technically secondary to chloracne, having a chloracne diagnosis confirms your dioxin exposure, which strengthens claims for type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and other presumptive conditions.
• Scarring — Chronic chloracne lesions often leave permanent scars that can be rated separately under DC 7800-7804.

How to calculate your monthly payment

Your total VA disability payment depends on your combined rating across all service-connected conditions. For veterans with chloracne, the overall combined rating often includes multiple Agent Orange-related conditions that together yield a higher combined percentage.

Use our VA disability calculator to:

• Calculate your combined rating with multiple conditions
• Understand how VA math combines ratings (10% + 10% does not equal 20%)
• Estimate your monthly payment including dependents

For the full breakdown of payment amounts at every rating level, see our 2026 VA disability pay rates page.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For personalized guidance on your VA disability claim, consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or claims agent. You can find accredited representatives at VA.gov.