VA Disability Rating for Chloracne
Agent Orange presumptive (when manifest within 1 year of exposure). Rated 0–30%.
Chloracne (DC 7829) is rated 0/10/30% based on lesion type and body coverage. Agent Orange presumptive under 38 CFR § 3.309(e) — but ONLY when chloracne becomes manifest to a degree of 10% or more within 1 year of the last AO exposure date. Outside that window, direct service-connection still possible but harder.
Presumptive framework applies
Agent Orange presumptive (38 CFR § 3.309(e)) — ONLY if manifest to 10% within 1 year of last AO exposure. Outside that 1-year window, presumption does NOT apply; direct service-connection possible but requires nexus.
Check my presumptive eligibility →Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | — | Superficial acne (comedones, papules, pustules, superficial cysts) of any extent. |
| 10% | $180.42 | Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting less than 40% of the face and neck; OR deep acne other than on the face and neck. |
| 30% | $552.47 | Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting 40% or more of the face and neck. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 10%: $180.42/mo · $2,165/year, tax-free
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
How to get rated for chloracne
- Dermatology exam + photos. Diagnosis must specifically state chloracne or "acneform disease consistent with chloracne."
- AO exposure documentation (Vietnam in-country, Korean DMZ 1967–1971, Thai air bases, etc.).
- If not within 1-year presumptive window, you can rate as scars (DC 7800-7805) or disfigurement.
Common secondary conditions
- +Disfigurement scars
- +Depression (cosmetic impact)
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- AO presumption is strict — must be manifest within 1 year of last AO exposure. Late-onset chloracne requires direct nexus.
- Don't confuse chloracne with adult acne — the diagnostic code is specific to chloracne or acneform-disease-consistent-with-chloracne diagnosis.
Frequently asked
I served in Vietnam in 1969 and developed chloracne in 1995. Is it presumptive?
No — the AO chloracne presumption only applies if the condition manifested to a 10% level within 1 year of last AO exposure (i.e., by ~1972 in your case). For late-onset chloracne, you need a direct nexus opinion linking it to AO exposure.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.