Proposed VA Painful Scar Rule Change: Understanding “Objective Evidence”
On September 29, 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposed a rule that may affect how painful scars are evaluated for disability compensation. The proposed change focuses on 38 CFR §4.118, Diagnostic Code 7804, which covers unstable or painful scars. If finalized, this update would introduce a requirement for “objective evidence of pain”, meaning a veteran’s statement alone may no longer be enough.