Chloracne VA Rating 2026: DC 7829 Criteria

What is chloracne and how does it affect veterans?

Chloracne is a severe skin condition caused by exposure to chlorinated chemicals, most notably the dioxins found in Agent Orange and other herbicide agents. Unlike common acne, chloracne produces persistent blackheads (comedones), cysts, nodules, and pustules that typically appear on the face (especially the cheeks), behind the ears, in the armpits, and in the groin area. It is one of the most reliable clinical indicators of significant dioxin exposure.

Veterans who served in Vietnam, Thailand, and other locations where herbicide agents were used are the primary population affected by chloracne. The condition was among the first health effects recognized from Agent Orange exposure and was one of the original presumptive conditions established by the VA. Chloracne can appear within weeks to months of dioxin exposure and may persist for years or decades.

The condition causes more than skin problems. The blackheads and cysts of chloracne are often disfiguring, particularly when they affect the face. The cysts can be painful and prone to infection. Because chloracne indicates significant systemic dioxin exposure, veterans with the condition are at elevated risk for other Agent Orange-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and ischemic heart disease. The skin condition itself is often just the most visible sign of broader toxic exposure.

VA diagnostic code for chloracne

Chloracne is rated under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7829 per 38 CFR § 4.118, Schedule of Ratings — Skin.

DC 7829 has its own rating criteria, based on whether the acne is deep (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) or superficial (comedones, papules, pustules), and where the deep acne appears. It does not use the General Rating Formula for the Skin (body surface area and systemic therapy) that applies to dermatitis and eczema. The maximum rating under DC 7829 is 30%.

DC 7829 also says the VA may instead “rate as disfigurement of the head, face, or neck (DC 7800) or scars (DCs 7801, 7802, 7804, or 7805), depending upon the predominant disability.” That alternative is useful when chloracne has left significant scarring.

Presumptive connection: Chloracne is a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to herbicide agents, but it must have manifested to a compensable degree (10% or more) within one year of the last date of exposure. This is a stricter requirement than most other Agent Orange presumptive conditions.

Rating criteria for chloracne

The VA assigns chloracne ratings under DC 7829 at four possible levels:

0% rating

Criteria: Superficial acne (comedones, papules, pustules) of any extent.

Monthly payment: $0 (but establishes service connection, which is important for claiming secondary conditions related to dioxin exposure)

What this looks like: Your chloracne consists of blackheads, small bumps, or surface pustules, without deep nodules or cysts. The amount of skin involved does not matter at this level. A 0% award establishes service connection for chloracne. The diagnosis can support an exposure history, but does not by itself establish qualifying military herbicide exposure for other presumptive claims.

10% rating — $180.42/month

Criteria: Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting less than 40 percent of the face and neck; or deep acne affecting non-intertriginous areas of the body (other than the face and neck).

What this looks like: You have deep, inflamed nodules or cysts on part of your face and neck, or on areas such as your back, chest, or behind the ears that are not skin folds.

20% rating — $356.66/month

Criteria: Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting the intertriginous areas (the axilla of the arm, the anogenital region, skin folds of the breasts, or between digits).

What this looks like: Deep nodules or cysts appear in skin folds, such as the armpits, groin, or between the fingers or toes. These are common chloracne locations and are often painful and prone to infection.

30% rating — $552.47/month

Criteria: Deep acne (deep inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) affecting 40 percent or more of the face and neck.

What this looks like: Deep nodules and cysts cover a large part of your face and neck. The cysts are prominent and may have caused visible scarring.

Note: If scarring or disfigurement is the predominant problem, the VA may rate under DC 7800 (disfigurement of the head, face, or neck) or DCs 7801, 7802, 7804, or 7805 (scars) instead of DC 7829.

What evidence do you need?

Service records

• Personnel records confirming service in Vietnam, Thailand (qualifying locations), or other areas where herbicide agents were used
• Service dates placing you in qualifying locations during the herbicide exposure period (1962-1975)
• Any service treatment records documenting skin problems during or shortly after service
• Records of duties that involved direct handling of herbicides (if applicable)

Medical evidence

• Dermatologist diagnosis specifically identifying chloracne (not merely acne or dermatitis)
• Clinical photographs showing the distribution and severity of lesions
• Documentation of the characteristic pattern: blackheads and cysts on cheeks, behind ears, axillae, and groin
• Biopsy results if performed (can help distinguish chloracne from other conditions)
• Treatment records documenting all medications used, including duration of any systemic therapy
• Medical records establishing onset within one year of last herbicide exposure (for presumptive claims)

Nexus letter

For presumptive claims, the nexus is established by law — you need the diagnosis, qualifying herbicide exposure or service, and manifestation to at least a 10% degree within one year after the last qualifying herbicide exposure. For direct connection claims (including onset beyond one year), evidence must link the condition to service. Medical records or a clinician’s opinion can support that link, and VA may obtain an opinion when needed. A dermatologist’s explanation of why the condition is consistent with dioxin exposure can help; a separate private nexus letter is not a universal filing requirement.

Buddy statements

Statements from fellow service members who can confirm your presence in areas where herbicide agents were used, and from family or friends who observed the onset and persistence of your skin condition. Statements describing the appearance and impact of the condition are helpful.

C&P exam tips for chloracne

What the examiner evaluates

• Confirmation that the skin condition is chloracne (specific pattern and characteristics)
• Whether the acne is deep (inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts) or superficial (comedones, papules, pustules)
• What percentage of the face and neck has deep acne
• Whether deep acne affects intertriginous areas (armpits, anogenital region, skin folds of the breasts, between digits) or other areas of the body
• Treatment history
• Presence of scarring from past chloracne lesions
• Connection to herbicide agent exposure

How to prepare

1. Ensure the examiner understands chloracne. Chloracne has a specific distribution pattern different from regular acne. If your examiner seems unfamiliar, be prepared to describe the history and pattern.
2. Bring photographs from over the years. Historical photos showing your skin at different stages help establish the condition’s chronicity and its connection to your service period.
3. Show where the deep lesions are. The rating depends on whether you have deep nodules and cysts, how much of the face and neck they cover, and whether they appear in skin folds. Photos taken during flare-ups help if lesions are quieter on exam day.
4. Point out all affected areas. Chloracne appears in characteristic locations — cheeks, behind ears, armpits, groin. Make sure the examiner examines all these areas.
5. Mention scarring. If past chloracne lesions have left scars, DC 7829 allows the VA to rate the condition as disfigurement (DC 7800) or scars (DCs 7801, 7802, 7804, or 7805) instead, depending on the predominant disability.
6. Connect to other Agent Orange conditions. If you have other conditions potentially linked to herbicide exposure, mention them. Chloracne can support an exposure history, but qualifying military herbicide exposure or service must still be established.

Common secondary conditions linked to chloracne

Chloracne is significant because it serves as evidence of dioxin exposure, which is linked to numerous other conditions:

• Depression — The disfiguring nature of chloracne, particularly on the face, causes significant psychological distress. Many veterans with visible chloracne experience depression related to their altered appearance and the social impact of the condition.
• Anxiety — Social anxiety from visible skin lesions and the broader anxiety of knowing you had significant toxic chemical exposure contribute to anxiety disorders in veterans with chloracne.
• Other Agent Orange conditions — While not technically secondary to chloracne, a chloracne diagnosis can support an exposure history. It does not alone prove qualifying military herbicide exposure; claims for type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, or other presumptive conditions must meet their own diagnosis, service/exposure, and any timing requirements.
• Scarring — Chronic chloracne lesions often leave permanent scars. DC 7829 allows the VA to rate chloracne as disfigurement or scars (DCs 7800, 7801, 7802, 7804, or 7805) when that is the predominant disability.

How to calculate your monthly payment

Your total VA disability payment depends on your combined rating across all service-connected conditions. For veterans with chloracne, the overall combined rating often includes multiple Agent Orange-related conditions that together yield a higher combined percentage.

Use our VA disability calculator to:

• Calculate your combined rating with multiple conditions
• Understand how VA math combines ratings (10% + 10% does not equal 20%)
• 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.

Correction — October 31, 2026: Distinguished a chloracne diagnosis from proof of qualifying military herbicide exposure, clarified the presumptive manifestation threshold, and distinguished supporting medical evidence from a mandatory private nexus letter.

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.