A skin condition causing pimples, blackheads, or cysts, typically on the face, chest, or back.
To support a rating above 0 percent, medical evidence needs to show that your acne is deep — meaning it produces inflamed nodules or pus-filled cysts, not just surface-level blemishes. A dermatology or primary care record that documents the type of lesions present and where they appear on your body is central to separating deep acne from superficial acne.
For the 30 percent level, records need to show that deep nodules or cysts cover 40 percent or more of the face and neck. Photographs taken at medical appointments, written descriptions in treatment notes, or a VA examination that maps the affected area can help establish that coverage.
If your acne has left permanent marks, records documenting any resulting scars or disfigurement on the head, face, or neck may support rating under the scar or disfigurement codes instead. Your own statements, and statements from people who see you regularly, describing how your symptoms affect your daily life and activities can also be part of the evidence record.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
