If you served, you already did the hard part. Now let’s make sure you don’t leave benefits on the table just because vitiligo gets dismissed as “cosmetic” in civilian life.

The VA treats vitiligo as a ratable skin condition when it affects exposed areas (like the face, neck, hands, or forearms). This guide explains how the VA looks at vitiligo, what evidence actually helps, and what to do if you get denied.

If you want the official VA starting points (no guesswork, no “my cousin’s friend said…”), these are the key pages:

VA Disability Compensation
How VA disability ratings work
File a disability claim

How the VA rates vitiligo (Diagnostic Code 7823)

Vitiligo is listed under 38 C.F.R. § 4.118 as Diagnostic Code (DC) 7823. The schedule is simple:

• 10%: exposed areas affected
• 0%: no exposed areas affected

Good news: for vitiligo, you generally don’t need to do complicated math about body surface area. The practical question is whether vitiligo affects exposed skin.

A 0% rating still matters. It establishes service connection, and that can affect eligibility for other VA benefits (including VA health care).

How to file a disability claim

You can file online, by mail, in person, or with help from a VA-accredited representative (like a Veterans Service Officer).

Start here: https://www.va.gov/disability/

If your goal is fewer mistakes and fewer headaches, working with an accredited representative is often the simplest path.

What you must prove to get service connection

Most vitiligo claims rise or fall on service connection, not on the rating schedule itself. In practical terms, the VA usually looks for:

• a current diagnosis (medical records)
• an in-service event, exposure, or onset (records help; credible statements can help too)
• a medical nexus (a clinician explaining why it’s “at least as likely as not” connected to service)

Helpful evidence often includes dermatology notes, clear photos showing exposed involvement (date-stamped if possible), relevant service records, and a nexus letter that explains the reasoning (not just a one-line conclusion).

Toxic exposures and burn pits

The PACT Act expanded presumptive conditions for certain exposures (burn pits and other airborne hazards). Vitiligo is not typically listed as a presumptive condition, which means many veterans still need a strong nexus to connect the dots.

Secondary conditions

If vitiligo contributes to another diagnosable condition, you may be able to file that as secondary to a service-connected disability. The most common secondary direction here is mental health, because visible skin conditions can be socially punishing and psychologically exhausting.

Vitiligo is also associated in medical research with higher rates of autoimmune thyroid disease, and some studies suggest links with hearing changes. That doesn’t automatically equal VA service connection, but it can matter when there are real diagnoses and documentation.

Compensation rates (2026 table)

The VA compensation table effective December 1, 2025 (“2026” rates) lists:

• 10%: $180.42/month
• 20%: $356.66/month
• 30% (veteran alone, no dependents): $552.47/month

How long does it take?

Processing times vary a lot by claim complexity, evidence quality, exams, and regional workload. Simple, well-documented claims tend to move faster than appeals or cases needing extensive development.

• June 2025 Average: ~107.4 days.
• November 2024 Average: ~139.3 days.

Trend: The VA has been speeding up simple claims, but the backlog varies by region. Stating “107–140 days” sets realistic expectations.

If your claim is denied (or underrated)

Denials are common and often reversible. Your options usually include a Supplemental Claim (with new and relevant evidence), a Higher-Level Review (arguing an error, no new evidence), or a Board Appeal (judge review).

Tip: if you’re denied or stuck at 0% when you believe you qualify for 10%, this is a good moment to involve a VA-accredited representative who can help choose the right lane and tighten the evidence.

Educational note: This article is informational and not legal advice. For personalized guidance, use VA’s resources or speak with a VA-accredited representative.

 

Suggested reading

• How to get insurance coverage for vitiligo treatments?
• Any Link Between Vitiligo and Military Service?
• LED Light, Vitiligo, and Your Eyes
• Is Hearing Loss More Common in People with Vitiligo?
• The Real Price Tag of Treating Vitiligo (2025 Edition)