Scars are generally described as fibrous tissue areas that replace normal skin after some of the dermis is destroyed. A superficial scar is one that is not associated with underlying soft tissue damage, and therefore does not cause limited motion.

Scars may be a result of wound healing after injury or trauma, burns (thermal or chemical), surgical procedures, lacerations, or less commonly, diseases including skin conditions.

Manifestations of the condition depend on the underlying cause and extent of tissue injury. Initially, a scar is usually red or purple and, with time, it becomes white and glistening. Pain may be present when a superficial nerve is involved and the end of a nerve becomes bulbous.

Physical examination alone is usually adequate to diagnose many skin disorders including scars. However, if the underlying cause is disease or burns, diagnostic studies may have to be conducted to further evaluate the condition. Additional studies may include microscopic examinations, and culture and sensitivity tests. Areas affected may be outlined on a diagram to determine the extent of body surface involvement.

The extent of treatment depends on the amount of body surface area affected. Corticosteroid injections into the scar have been effective in some patients. In addition, surgical or laser therapy have been used to remove the scars, as well as specific medications that interrupt collagen development. Finally, skin grafting may be used to cover imperfections from burns, trauma, or surgery.

Scars following skin disorders or surgery are usually noticeable and disfiguring, causing body image disturbances, which may require counseling.

• To properly evaluate disability, accurate measurements of scar size/area, and limitations in motion (if applicable), must be available.

• A superficial scar is one not associated with underlying soft tissue damage.

• For the purposes of DCs 7801 and 7802, the six (6) zones of the body are defined as each extremity, anterior trunk, and posterior trunk. Use midaxillary line to divide the anterior trunk from posterior trunk.

• A separate evaluation may be assigned for each affected zone of the body under this diagnostic code if there are multiple scars, or a single scar, affecting multiple zones of the body. Combine the separate evaluations under 38 CFR 4.25. Alternatively, if a higher evaluation would result from adding the areas affected from multiple zones of the body, a single evaluation may also be assigned under the diagnostic code.