Psoriasis VA Disability Rating: Criteria, Evidence & Pay

What is psoriasis and how does it affect veterans?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to multiply up to ten times faster than normal. This rapid cell turnover creates thick, red, scaly patches called plaques that can appear anywhere on the body but most commonly affect the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis is not just a cosmetic issue — it is a systemic inflammatory disease that can affect joints, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being.

Veterans develop psoriasis through a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Military service provides numerous triggers: extreme physical and psychological stress, exposure to chemicals and environmental irritants, skin injuries from combat or training (psoriasis can develop at sites of skin trauma through the Koebner phenomenon), and disruption of immune function. Once triggered, psoriasis is typically a lifelong condition with periods of flare and remission.

The impact on veterans goes beyond the visible skin patches. Psoriasis causes persistent itching and pain at plaque sites. About 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The visible nature of the condition leads to social stigma, embarrassment, and avoidance of activities that expose affected skin. Veterans frequently report that psoriasis affects their employment, relationships, and overall quality of life.

VA diagnostic code for psoriasis

Psoriasis is rated under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7816 per 38 CFR § 4.118, Schedule of Ratings — Skin.

DC 7816 rates psoriasis using the same framework as dermatitis (DC 7806), based on the percentage of body surface area affected and the type of treatment required. The rating focuses on objective measures of severity rather than the specific type of psoriasis (plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, or erythrodermic).

Rating criteria for psoriasis

The VA assigns psoriasis ratings at four 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 for future increases and secondary claims)

What this looks like: You have a confirmed psoriasis diagnosis with small, localized plaques that are managed with topical treatments only. Perhaps a small patch on your elbow or scalp that responds to topical corticosteroids or vitamin D analogs.

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: Psoriasis plaques cover a moderate area — multiple patches on your arms, legs, or torso, or visible plaques on your scalp and face. Alternatively, your psoriasis has required short courses of systemic treatment (oral medications, biologics, or phototherapy) within 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: Your psoriasis is widespread with large plaques covering substantial portions of your body. Or you need systemic medication for extended periods — for example, several months on methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologic injections to control flares. You deal with significant discomfort and visible skin involvement.

60% rating — $1,435.02/month

Criteria: More than 40% of the entire body or more than 40% of exposed areas affected; or constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs required during the past 12-month period.

What this looks like: Severe psoriasis covering large portions of your body, or you require continuous systemic treatment. You may be on year-round biologic therapy (such as adalimumab, secukinumab, or similar), continuous methotrexate, or other systemic immunosuppressive treatment. Your condition significantly impacts daily functioning.

What evidence do you need?

Service records

• Service treatment records showing skin complaints or dermatology referrals
• Documentation of skin injuries or trauma (psoriasis can develop at injury sites)
• Records of environmental or chemical exposures during service
• Evidence of stress-related events that may have triggered psoriasis onset

Medical evidence

• Dermatologist diagnosis confirming psoriasis, including the specific type
• Treatment records documenting all medications — topical, systemic, and biologic
• Photographs of flare-ups showing plaque location, extent, and severity
• Documentation of body surface area percentage affected during active flares
• Prescription history clearly showing systemic therapy type, duration, and frequency
• If you have psoriatic arthritis: rheumatology records documenting joint involvement
• Biopsy results if performed (confirms diagnosis definitively)

Nexus letter

A medical opinion linking your psoriasis to military service. The letter should address the likely trigger — whether stress, environmental exposure, skin trauma, or initial onset during service — and explain the medical pathway from service to your current condition.

Buddy statements

Statements from people who can describe the visible extent of your psoriasis, the impact on your daily routine, sleep disruption from itching, social avoidance, and any occupational limitations. Spouses and partners can speak to how the condition affects intimate relationships and self-esteem.

C&P exam tips for psoriasis

What the examiner evaluates

• Confirmation of psoriasis diagnosis and type
• Percentage of total body surface area affected by plaques
• Percentage of exposed areas (head, face, neck, hands) affected
• Complete treatment history with emphasis on systemic versus topical therapy
• Duration of systemic therapy in the past 12 months
• Presence of psoriatic arthritis or other complications
• Functional impact on daily living and employment

How to prepare

1. Time the exam during a flare if possible. Psoriasis severity fluctuates, and the examiner rates what they observe. If you can, schedule when your psoriasis is most active.
2. Bring photographic evidence. Date-stamped photos showing your psoriasis at its worst are essential if the exam occurs during a remission period.
3. Track your systemic therapy carefully. Know exactly how many weeks you used oral medications, biologics, or phototherapy in the past 12 months. Bring pharmacy records to verify.
4. Report psoriatic arthritis symptoms. If you have joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, make sure to report it. This can lead to separate musculoskeletal ratings.
5. Do not apply thick topical treatments before the exam. The examiner needs to see the plaques clearly.
6. Describe the full impact. Talk about itching that disrupts sleep, social embarrassment, activities you avoid because of visible plaques, and how the condition affects your work.

Common secondary conditions linked to psoriasis

Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory condition that affects more than just the skin:

• Depression — The chronic, visible nature of psoriasis is strongly linked to depression. The emotional burden of living with a disfiguring skin condition, combined with the systemic inflammation that affects brain chemistry, makes depression a common secondary claim.
• Anxiety — Social anxiety related to visible plaques, anticipatory anxiety about flares, and generalized anxiety from living with a chronic unpredictable condition are all well-documented.
• Psoriatic arthritis — About 30% of psoriasis patients develop this inflammatory joint condition. It is rated separately under the musculoskeletal schedule and can significantly increase your combined rating.
• Cardiovascular disease — Psoriasis increases systemic inflammation, which raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and metabolic syndrome.

How to calculate your monthly payment

Your total VA disability payment depends on your combined rating across all service-connected conditions. If psoriasis is combined with psoriatic arthritis ratings and mental health conditions, your overall combined rating can be substantially higher.

Use our VA disability calculator to:

• Calculate your combined rating with multiple conditions
• Understand how VA math combines ratings (30% + 30% does not equal 60%)
• 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.