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VA RIN: 2900-AS37 Publication ID: 2026 
Title: ●Objective Evidence of Pain for Painful Scars under DC 7804 
Abstract:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends its regulation to clarify its longstanding policy that VA still requires objective medical evidence of pain in order for VA to rate a scar as unstable or painful. This update ensures veterans are rated consistently and receive appropriate benefits.

 
Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs(VA)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
EO 14192 Designation: Deregulatory 
CFR Citation: 38 CFR 4.118   
Legal Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501    38 U.S.C. 1155   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  09/29/2025  90 FR 46542   
NPRM Comment Period End  11/28/2025 
Final Action  09/00/2026 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Michael Zybarth
Assistant Director, VASRD - Compensation Service
Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420
Phone:602 627-2999
Email: michael.zybarth@va.gov