Alopecia VA Disability Rules: Understanding Your Rating and Claim Options

If you have service-connected alopecia (hair loss), the VA rates the condition from 0% to 20% depending on the type and severity. Scarring alopecia is rated based on the percentage of scalp affected, while alopecia areata is rated at 10% only if it involves loss of all body hair. Otherwise, the rating is 0%.

What Is Alopecia and How Does It Affect Veterans?

Alopecia is a medical condition characterized by hair loss. It can occur on the scalp, face, or body and may be temporary or permanent. For veterans, alopecia can result from a variety of service-related factors, including stress, exposure to environmental toxins, autoimmune conditions, or scarring from injuries .

Alopecia is generally classified into two main types :

• Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial): Inflammation that destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue, leading to permanent hair loss. May be caused by burns, infections, or autoimmune diseases like lupus .
• Non-Scarring Alopecia: Does not permanently damage hair follicles, allowing the potential for hair regrowth. Includes alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder), telogen effluvium, and androgenic alopecia .

Alopecia can significantly impact a veteran's self-esteem, mental health, and overall quality of life . One study shows the prevalence of alopecia among female veterans is slightly higher than the general population and is likely underreported .

How the VA Rates Alopecia

The VA rates alopecia under 38 CFR § 4.118, Diagnostic Codes (DC) 7830 and 7831 .

VA Rating Schedule for Scarring Alopecia (DC 7830)

Scarring alopecia is rated based on the percentage of the scalp affected :

VA Rating Schedule for Alopecia Areata (DC 7831)

Alopecia areata is a non-scarring autoimmune condition with a more limited rating range :

Important: Under DC 7831, there is no intermediate rating. You either have 0% or 10%. The 10% rating requires complete loss of all body hair hair loss limited to the scalp and face is not compensable .

Proving Service Connection for Alopecia

To receive a VA rating for alopecia, you must establish a link between your condition and your military service .

Direct Service Connection

You must prove three elements :

1. A current diagnosis of alopecia
2. An in-service event or documented symptoms during service
3. A medical nexus connecting your current alopecia to your service

Important: Lay testimony alone is generally not considered competent evidence to prove the cause of alopecia, as determining the cause requires medical expertise . However, a veteran is competent to report the presence of observable symptoms, such as hair loss .

Secondary Service Connection

Alopecia may be claimed as a secondary condition to another service-connected disability. In one case, service connection was granted for scarring alopecia secondary to medication prescribed for a service-connected genitourinary condition .

To establish secondary service connection, you need:

1. A service-connected primary condition
2. A current diagnosis of alopecia
3. A medical nexus linking the alopecia to the primary condition or its treatment

Continuity of Symptomatology

If alopecia was noted during service and you have had the same symptoms continuously since, you may establish service connection through continuity of symptomatology .

What Evidence Do You Need for Your Claim?

Medical Evidence

• Current diagnosis from a dermatologist or other qualified medical professional
• Medical records documenting the type of alopecia (scarring vs. non-scarring)
• Description of affected areas (scalp, face, body)
• Percentage of scalp affected (for scarring alopecia)
• Whether there is loss of all body hair (for alopecia areata)

Lay Evidence

• Personal statement (VA Form 21-4138) describing when symptoms began, how they have progressed, and how they affect your daily life
• Buddy statements (VA Form 21-10210) from family, friends, or fellow service members who observed your hair loss during or shortly after service

Filing Your Alopecia Claim

Step 1: File an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966)

File immediately to secure your effective date for potential back pay. You have one year to complete your claim.

Step 2: Gather Your Evidence

• Current diagnosis and medical records
• Service treatment records showing any hair loss symptoms
• Personal and buddy statements

Step 3: Complete VA Form 21-526EZ

File online through VA.gov, with a VSO, or by mail. Clearly state the condition and type of alopecia.

Step 4: Attend Your C&P Exam

If scheduled, attend your Compensation & Pension exam. The examiner will assess the type and extent of your alopecia . Be prepared to describe your symptoms accurately.

Step 5: Consider an Appeal if Denied

If your claim is denied, you have appeal options under the Appeals Modernization Act:

• Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996)
• Supplemental Claim with new evidence (VA Form 20-0995)
• Board Appeal (VA Form 10182)

Realistic Veteran Scenario

Jennifer, a U.S. Navy veteran who served from 1987 to 1991, developed patchy hair loss on her scalp after experiencing significant stress during her service. She was diagnosed with alopecia areata in 2012 by a VA dermatologist, who noted the hair loss was limited to her scalp and face.

Jennifer filed a claim for service connection and received a 0% rating under DC 7831. She appealed, arguing she was entitled to a compensable rating. However, because her hair loss was limited to the scalp and face not loss of all body hair the Board denied her appeal .

Jennifer's representative advised her that she could still receive VA healthcare for the condition because it was service-connected, and she could file for an increased rating if her condition worsened to involve complete loss of body hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VA rating for alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is rated under DC 7831 at 0% if hair loss is limited to the scalp and face, and 10% if there is loss of all body hair .

What is the VA rating for scarring alopecia?

Scarring alopecia is rated under DC 7830 at 0%, 10%, or 20% based on the percentage of the scalp affected. A 10% rating is for 20% to 40% scalp involvement, and 20% is for more than 40% .

Can I get a rating higher than 10% for alopecia areata?

No. The maximum rating for alopecia areata under DC 7831 is 10% . However, if the condition causes scarring, the VA may consider rating under DC 7830 instead .

Is alopecia a presumptive condition for Agent Orange exposure?

No. Alopecia/hair loss is not among the diseases presumptively linked to herbicide exposure under 38 CFR § 3.309(e) .

Does a 0% rating for alopecia provide any benefits?

Yes. A 0% rating establishes service connection. This qualifies you for VA healthcare for the condition and allows you to file for an increased rating if your condition worsens . You may also be eligible for other VA benefits.

What is the difference between scarring and non-scarring alopecia?

Scarring alopecia involves inflammation that destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue, causing permanent hair loss. Non-scarring alopecia does not permanently damage follicles, allowing potential hair regrowth .

What happens if I miss my C&P exam appointment?

It is critical to attend your C&P exam. If you miss it without a good reason, the VA may deny your claim. Contact the VA examiner or VA Regional Office immediately to reschedule.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. It is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA policies and compensation rates change. We recommend you verify all current details on the official VA.gov website before filing. For personalized assistance, consider consulting a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) like the DAV, VFW, or American Legion, or an accredited claims agent or attorney.