Does CHAMPVA cover dermatology?

Q: Does CHAMPVA cover dermatology?

Yes, for covered medical conditions. The CHAMPVA Guidebook covers dermatological procedures for conditions such as acne and for hypertrophic scars and keloids from burns, surgery, or injury. Cosmetic treatments are not covered.

Educational info, not medical advice. Last verified Oct 11, 2026.

Coverage status: Covered with conditions

Short answer: Yes for medical skin care, such as treating acne or scars from burns, surgery, or injury, but cosmetic treatments like cosmetic Botox, cosmetic Retin-A, and tattoo removal are not covered.

Key conditions

Covered: dermatological procedures for covered conditions, such as acne, and for hypertrophic scars and keloids from burns, surgery, or injury (Guidebook).
Not covered: cosmetic drugs (such as Retin-A or Botox used for cosmetic reasons), tattoo removal, cosmetic surgery, and electrolysis (Guidebook; 38 CFR 17.272).
Skin cancer screening: the Guidebook covers cancer screening when medically necessary and appropriate.

Preauthorization

The Guidebook doesn’t list dermatology as needing preauthorization.

What you pay

When CHAMPVA is primary, you pay the yearly outpatient deductible ($50 per person, $100 per family) and a 25% cost share. When CHAMPVA is secondary, you usually pay nothing. Your family’s costs are capped at $3,000 per calendar year (Guidebook).

Not sure? Call CHAMPVA at 800-733-8387 (TTY 711), Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m. ET. The Guidebook says a service listed as covered doesn't guarantee payment. See all CHAMPVA coverage answers.

Educational information only, not medical, legal, or insurance advice. Confirm with CHAMPVA and your provider. Last verified against VA.gov: October 11, 2026 (Checked against the CHAMPVA Guidebook and VA.gov on Oct 11, 2026). Changelog