VA Disability Rating for Psoriasis
Rated 0–60% based on body surface area affected and systemic therapy required.
Psoriasis (DC 7816) is rated by body-surface-area involvement and treatment intensity. Modern biologic therapy use can drive higher ratings — constant or near-constant systemic therapy in the past 12 months supports the higher tiers. Psoriatic arthritis is rated separately under DC 5002.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | — | Less than 5% of entire body OR less than 5% of exposed areas affected, AND no more than topical therapy required during the past 12-month period. |
| 10% | $180.42 | At least 5% but less than 20% of entire body OR 5%–20% of exposed areas; OR intermittent systemic therapy (including biologics) for less than 6 weeks during the past 12-month period. |
| 30% | $552.47 | 20–40% of entire body OR 20–40% of exposed areas; OR systemic therapy required for 6 weeks or more, but not constantly, during the past 12-month period. |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | More than 40% of entire body OR more than 40% of exposed areas; OR constant or near-constant systemic therapy (including biologics) during the past 12-month period. |
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
- →At 60%: $1,435.02/mo · $17,220/year, tax-free
How to get rated for psoriasis
- Dermatology exam with body-surface-area documentation.
- Treatment records — topical, systemic, biologic with dates.
- Photos of involved areas during flares.
- If you have joint involvement, file psoriatic arthritis SEPARATELY (DC 5002).
Common secondary conditions
- +Psoriatic arthritis
- +Depression
- +Cardiovascular disease (psoriasis is a CV risk factor)
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- In-service onset (often misdiagnosed as eczema or fungal infection) supports nexus — request full STRs.
- Stress is a well-known trigger — secondary to service-connected PTSD/anxiety is a recognized pathway.
Frequently asked
I am on a biologic that controls my psoriasis to nearly clear skin. What is my rating?
Constant or near-constant systemic therapy (including biologics) in the past 12 months = 60%, regardless of how much skin is currently involved. The therapy intensity is the rating driver.
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.