Psoriasis VA Rating Criteria and How to Qualify for Benefits

By Telemedica

5/27/2026

DBQ

Nexus Letter

Physical Conditions

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin, often triggered or worsened by stress, infections, or environmental factors common in military service.

For veterans, psoriasis can significantly impact daily life, work, and relationships, leading to questions related to service connection, benefits, and compensation.

VA disability ratings for psoriasis range from 0% to 60% based on the extent of skin involvement and treatment needs.

This post explores the psoriasis VA rating process, how to establish a service connection, the role of medical evidence, secondary conditions, and options like TDIU to maximize your VA disability benefits.

Key Takeaways

The VA rates psoriasis under Diagnostic Code 7816 at 0%, 10%, 30%, or 60% based on the percentage of body or exposed areas affected, or the duration and type of systemic therapy required.

Service connection requires a current diagnosis, an in-service event (like stress or toxic exposure), and a medical nexus linking the two.

Secondary conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, can increase your overall disability rating.

Tools like nexus letters and DBQs are crucial for strengthening claims, especially if symptoms flare intermittently.

Psoriasis Among Veterans: Prevalence and Key Symptoms

Recent studies show veterans have a higher prevalence of psoriasis compared to nonveterans (4.5% vs. 2.9%). Veterans may experience higher rates due to service-related factors like chronic stress, chemical exposures, or injuries that trigger autoimmune responses.

Key symptoms include:

Inflamed patches that vary in color and appearance covered with silvery scales on lighter skin and gray scale on darker skin

Itching, burning, or soreness, especially on elbows, knees, scalp, or nails

Nail changes, such as pitting or separation

Flare-ups triggered by stress, weather, or infections

Skin conditions like psoriasis are common service-connected disabilities, with thousands of veterans rated annually. If you’re a veteran wondering if your symptoms qualify as a disability, understanding the diagnostic process is key. Psoriasis is confirmed through the clinical exam or biopsy, but the VA requires evidence of service impact.

VA Rating for Psoriasis

The VA disability rating for psoriasis is evaluated under Diagnostic Code 7816, which uses the criteria for the General Rating Formula for the Skin. This rating focuses on the amount of skin affected and the intensity of treatment.

Ratings consider body surface area affected, with higher ratings for widespread involvement or ongoing systemic treatments like biologics or corticosteroids.

Psoriasis VA Rating Criteria

VA Rating	General Rating Formula for the Skin
60%	More than 40% of the entire body or exposed areas affected; OR constant/near-constant systemic therapy (e.g., corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biologics) required over the past 12 months.
30%	20%-40% of the entire body or exposed areas affected; OR systemic therapy required for six weeks or more (but not constantly) over the past 12 months.
10%	At least 5% but less than 20% of the entire body or exposed areas affected; OR intermittent systemic therapy required for less than six weeks over the past 12 months.
0%	Less than 5% of the entire body or exposed areas affected; AND no more than topical therapy required over the past 12 months.

Note: Complications such as psoriatic arthritis and other clinical manifestations (e.g., oral mucosa, nails) are rated separately under the appropriate diagnostic code.

Establishing Service Connection for Psoriasis

To qualify for VA disability for psoriasis, you need to establish service connection. To establish primary service connection, you need:

A current diagnosis, and

An in-service event, injury, illness, or aggravation; and

A nexus linking your current diagnosis with your in-service event, illness, or aggravation (e.g., via a Nexus Letter)

The Value of a Nexus Letter

A nexus letter from a medical expert provides an independent opinion connecting your psoriasis to service, answering questions like: “How do I show my psoriasis wasn’t pre-existing?” It’s especially useful for intermittent flares or delayed onset.

You can obtain a nexus letter from a qualified medical professional after a thorough evaluation.

Get a Nexus Letter

C&P Exam for Psoriasis: What to Expect

During a compensation and pension (C&P) exam, a VA examiner assesses skin involvement, treatment history, and functional impact.

Expect measurements of affected areas, questions about flares, and photos if your psoriasis is active. Veterans often worry about having clear skin on the day of their exam. However, you can bring documentation of your flare ups in the form of photos and statements.

It’s also important to be honest about how the itching or pain affects your work and sleep habits. C&P exams are intended to confirm current diagnosis and severity.

How a Psoriasis DBQ Strengthens Your VA Claim

The Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for skin diseases details your symptoms, body surface area (BSA) affected, and treatments, filling evidence gaps. Combined with medical and service records, a DBQ can strengthen your claim.

View the Psoriasis DBQ or Get a DBQ

VA Secondary Conditions to Psoriasis

Psoriasis can lead to or worsen other issues, which may increase your disability rating.

Common VA secondary conditions to psoriasis include:

Psoriatic arthritis (joint pain/swelling)

Depression or anxiety from visible symptoms

Nail disorders or eye issues

How TDIU Can Boost Your VA Benefits

If psoriasis (alone or combined) prevents substantially gainful employment, Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) pays at a 100% level without a 100% rating.

The main requirement is the inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation and one of these must also be true: having one VA disability rated at 60% or higher or having two or more VA disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or higher with at least one condition rated at 40% or higher.

Extra-schedular TDIU covers cases where flares cause absenteeism or concentration issues.

Filing a VA Claim for Psoriasis

You can file a VA claim for psoriasis using VA Form 21-526EZ:

Online

By mail or fax

In person at a VA regional office

Conclusion

If you’ve been suffering from psoriasis, have a current diagnosis, and can connect it to your military service, you may be eligible for VA benefits.

With VA ratings ranging from 0% to 60%, psoriasis and other skin conditions are common among veterans but can have a significant impact on your daily functioning. By understanding disability ratings, gathering strong evidence like DBQs and nexus letters, and exploring secondaries, you can secure all the VA disability benefits you deserve.

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

Lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason for denials. Telemedica provides expert DBQs and nexus letters to build winning claims.

Schedule your 20-minute consultation call.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

Can psoriasis be connected to military service?

Yes, psoriasis can be connected to your service directly (e.g., stress) or secondarily (e.g., to PTSD). In both cases, you’re required to have a current diagnosis, proof of the in-service event or exposure, and a nexus linking the two.

What is the VA rating for psoriasis?

The VA ratings for psoriasis range from 0% to 60% under DC 7816, based on skin coverage or systemic therapy needs.

How do I prove my current psoriasis diagnosis for VA benefits?

To prove your current psoriasis diagnosis for a VA rating, you can provide medical records, exam results, and photos of flares. A DBQ completed by a medical professional can also detail symptoms.

What if my psoriasis causes joint pain?

If your psoriasis causes joint pain, it may be psoriatic arthritis, which is rated separately under DC 5002.

Can stress from deployment cause psoriasis?

Yes, direct service connection covers triggers like combat stress or exposures. Secondary connection applies if psoriasis stems from another service-connected condition (e.g., anxiety worsening flares). If you’re diagnosed with psoriasis post-service, a nexus letter is vital to bridge the gap.

Is there an automatic psoriasis VA disability rating for veterans?

No, there is no automatic rating for psoriasis, but evidence of service connection is required for any disability rating.

What are common mistakes in psoriasis VA claims?

Some common mistakes in psoriasis VA claims include underreporting flares, lacking a credible nexus, or not documenting systemic vs. topical treatments.