★ Skin
Urticaria (Chronic Hives) VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.118, Diagnostic Code 7825
Overview
Chronic urticaria is hives lasting more than 6 weeks. Often idiopathic or autoimmune.
Frequently linked to burn pit exposure or as a symptom of Gulf War Illness.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Direct: in-service onset or environmental trigger.
- Presumptive: under Gulf War Illness undiagnosed-illness presumptive.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.118, Diagnostic Code 7825
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Recurrent episodes occurring at least four times during the past 12-month period, and responding to treatment with antihistamines or sympathomimetics. |
| 30% | Recurrent debilitating episodes occurring at least four times during the past 12-month period, and requiring intermittent systemic immunosuppressive therapy for control. |
| 60% | Recurrent debilitating episodes occurring at least four times during the past 12-month period despite continuous immunosuppressive therapy. |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Dermatology / allergy notes.
- Medication history.
- Photographs during outbreaks.
- Outbreak frequency log.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Urticaria (Chronic Hives) claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.