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Hair loss may seem like a cosmetic issue, but for many veterans, alopecia is a real medical condition that can impact confidence, mental health, and overall quality of life.
The VA recognizes certain types of alopecia for disability benefits, but getting an alopecia VA rating depends on the type and extent of your hair loss.
This post breaks it all down so you can know what to expect before filing your claim.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Alopecia causes patchy or widespread hair loss in veterans, often from autoimmune disorders, skin conditions, scalp injuries, stress, or medications.
- The VA rates alopecia under diagnostic codes 7830 or 7831, depending on how much hair loss you have and where it occurs.
- The VA disability rating for alopecia ranges from 0% to 20%, with higher ratings assigned for more severe or widespread hair loss.
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is a condition that causes hair loss, which can appear as small patches or more extensive thinning.
The most common type is alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
This can lead to complete baldness on the scalp (alopecia totalis) or even total body hair loss (alopecia universalis).
What Causes Alopecia in Veterans?
Alopecia in veterans can result from autoimmune disorders, skin conditions, or injuries to the scalp.
Stress, trauma, tight hairstyles, or certain medications taken during military service may also trigger or worsen hair loss.
A study of nearly 500,000 active-duty service women from 2010–2019 found 2.4% had alopecia, suggesting it may be slightly more common than in civilians and highlights the need for improved recognition, coding, and TRICARE treatment coverage.
How the VA Rates Alopecia
Historically, severe hair loss was rated analogously under diagnostic codes meant for skin conditions like eczema, which sometimes allowed higher ratings.
Today, the VA uses diagnostic codes 7830 (scarring alopecia) and 7831 (alopecia areata), with a maximum rating of 20%.
Here’s the difference between the two:
- Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. The follicles are usually not permanently damaged, so hair can sometimes regrow.
- Scarring Alopecia: Also called cicatricial alopecia, this type causes permanent hair loss because the hair follicles are destroyed and replaced with scar tissue. Hair can’t regrow in these areas.
VA Rating Chart for Alopecia
The VA rates alopecia from 0% to 20%, depending on the type and extent of hair loss. For example, you may be eligible for an alopecia areata VA rating if you have a loss of all your body hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes.
| DC 7830, Scarring Alopecia | VA Rating |
| Affecting more than 40 percent of the scalp | 20% |
| Affecting 20 to 40 percent of the scalp | 10% |
| Affecting less than 20 percent of the scalp | 0% |
| DC 7831, Alopecia Areata | VA Rating |
| With loss of all body hair | 10% |
| With loss of hair limited to scalp and face | 0% |
Proving Service Connection
Proving service connection is key when applying for an alopecia VA disability rating.
You must provide evidence of the following:
- A current medical diagnosis
- An in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness
- A medical nexus (link) between your current diagnosis and the in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness
Pro Tip: Medical evidence, photos, detailed examinations, and documentation of the impact on daily life can all strengthen your VA claim.
See More: VA Service Connection Explained
How to File a VA Claim for Alopecia
While it’s generally fastest to file a VA claim online, you can also download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ and submit it:
See More: The Best Way to File a VA Claim
Alopecia as a Secondary Condition
Alopecia usually doesn’t get a high VA rating on its own, but it can count as a secondary condition if it’s caused by another service-connected disability.
Some VA-recognized conditions that may cause or worsen alopecia include:
- Autoimmune disorders (like lupus or vitiligo)
- Endocrine disorders (such as thyroid disease)
- Skin conditions (like severe eczema or psoriasis)
- Stress-related or trauma-related conditions (hair loss can be triggered by extreme physical or psychological stress)
- Medication side effects (from treatment for a service-connected condition)
Check our VA Ratings by Condition list to see what qualifies for benefits.
Conclusion
Understanding the alopecia VA rating is the first step toward making sure your hair loss is properly recognized by the VA. While the VA rating system for alopecia is limited, you may still qualify for benefits, especially if your condition is connected to another service-related disability.
If you’re dealing with alopecia and are unsure about your next steps, don’t wait to explore your options. Your path to the benefits you rightfully deserve starts today!
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(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get VA disability for alopecia?
Yes. Hair loss caused by service, or linked to a service-connected condition, may qualify for VA disability compensation and benefits.
What is the VA rating for alopecia?
The VA rates alopecia from 0% to 20% under diagnostic codes 7830 (scarring alopecia) and 7831 (alopecia areata), depending on the type and severity of hair loss.
What is the disability rating for hair loss?
The hair loss VA disability rating depends on the type and extent of hair loss. Scarring alopecia (DC 7830) is rated 0–20% based on how much of the scalp is affected, while alopecia areata (DC 7831) is rated 0–10% based on whether hair loss is localized to the scalp and face or affects the entire body.
Is alopecia considered a permanent VA disability?
Not always. The VA may consider alopecia permanent if the hair loss is scarring or irreversible. Non-scarring types, like alopecia areata, may improve or change over time, so they aren’t always rated as permanent.
Can alopecia be rated secondary to another condition?
Yes. If your hair loss is linked to another service-connected condition, you may be able to file for alopecia as a secondary condition. Secondary service-connected conditions may boost your overall VA rating.
Do wigs or hairpieces affect my alopecia VA rating?
No. The VA bases your rating on the type and severity of your hair loss, not on whether you use wigs, hats, or other cosmetic solutions.
Author
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
