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If your eyes constantly burn, itch, or blur your vision—and it started during your military service—you may qualify for a conjunctivitis VA rating (and the VA disability compensation and benefits that go with it).
Conjunctivitis isn’t just “pink eye.” When it becomes chronic or allergy-related, it can interfere with daily life and even qualify for up to a 30% VA rating depending on severity.
In this post, we’ll break down how the VA rates different types of conjunctivitis (DC 6017 and 6018), what evidence you’ll need, and how to build a strong claim for service connection.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Both allergic and chronic conjunctivitis qualify for VA disability compensation when properly documented.
- The VA rates chronic conjunctivitis under Diagnostic Code 6018, based on whether the condition is currently active.
- Active trachomatous conjunctivitis receives a minimum 30% VA rating under Diagnostic Code 6017.
- To establish service connection, you’ll need a current diagnosis, supporting medical evidence, and a strong nexus letter linking your condition to military service.
Conjunctivitis in Veterans
Navigating the conjunctivitis VA rating system can feel overwhelming, especially when the symptoms you’re living with are invisible to most. However, conjunctivitis, particularly chronic or allergic cases, can be connected to your military service.
If your eyes constantly burn, itch, or blur your world, this isn’t just an annoyance. It’s a service-connected issue that may qualify for VA disability compensation.
It’s not just pink eye. For many veterans, conjunctivitis is a lingering, painful reminder of time in uniform, often brushed aside or misdiagnosed.
Yet, it can drastically affect your vision, your confidence, and your ability to work or interact comfortably with the world around you. You deserve more than discomfort and dismissal.
Related post: VA Eye Disability Ratings
Allergic vs. Chronic Conjunctivitis
From a medical standpoint, there are two primary types of conjunctivitis that the VA considers:
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when your eyes react to allergens like dust, pollen, or chemicals. It’s usually seasonal but can be constant, especially in certain environments.
- Symptoms: Itching, tearing, redness, and puffiness
- Triggers: Pollen, smoke, sand, or airborne irritants often found in deployed environments
- Treatment: Antihistamines or corticosteroid eye drops
Chronic Conjunctivitis
Chronic conjunctivitis is persistent inflammation, often bacterial or due to long-term exposure to irritants. It lingers longer than a few weeks and may flare up frequently.
- Symptoms: Discharge, redness, blurred vision, pain
- Causes: Prolonged exposure to chemicals, debris, or harsh environments
- Treatment: Antibiotics, regular cleaning, ongoing medical care
From a VA standpoint, these two are rated differently and carry different weights when it comes to VA disability ratings and compensation.
Conjunctivitis VA Rating Criteria
VA disability ratings for conjunctivitis are categorized under different diagnostic codes:
Chronic Conjunctivitis VA Rating – Diagnostic Code 6018
Diagnostic Code 6018 refers to chronic conjunctivitis that is not due to trachoma. It is used to evaluate the severity of the condition based on whether it is active or inactive.
- Active: 10% rating if it includes objective symptoms like mucopurulent discharge, crusting, or redness
- Inactive: Evaluated based on residual effects, such as visual impairment or disfigurement
The chronic conjunctivitis VA disability rating can lead to higher overall compensation when combined with other service-connected conditions.
Trachomatous Conjunctivitis VA Rating – Diagnostic Code 6017
Diagnostic Code 6017 is used to evaluate trachomatous conjunctivitis that has a chronic, ongoing impact.
Under this code, the VA assigns a minimum 30% rating if the condition is active. If the condition is inactive, it is rated based on any residual effects such as visual impairment or disfigurement.
To receive a compensable rating under this code, the condition must either be active or cause persistent residual symptoms despite treatment.
Active vs. Inactive Conjunctivitis
Your VA rater will also consider whether your conjunctivitis is currently active or inactive.
Active:
- Clear signs of discharge, crusting, swelling
- Verified by a current C&P exam
- Typically eligible for a 10% VA rating if symptoms are present
Inactive:
- No visible symptoms at the time of evaluation
- Rated based on lasting impacts like disfigurement or impaired vision
Your C&P exam will play a vital role in showing the full extent of your condition, whether it is flaring up or in remission.
Establishing Service Connection
To qualify for a VA rating for conjunctivitis, you’ll need to establish a direct or secondary service connection. Here’s what that involves:
- Current Diagnosis: A current medical diagnosis of allergic or chronic conjunctivitis
- In-service event or exposure: Proof that your condition began during service or was aggravated by it
- Medical Nexus: A professional medical opinion linking your condition to your military service (can be a Nexus Letter)
VA Claims Insider specializes in educating veterans through this process, including identifying the need to acquire a medical nexus letter that meets the VA’s requirements.
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Ways to File a VA Claim for Conjunctivitis
To qualify for a conjunctivitis VA rating, you must file a VA claim using VA Form 21-526EZ.
You can file a VA claim:
Did you know? If you’re filing online, you don’t need to submit an intent to file because the effective date is automatically set when you begin completing the form.
TDIU and Conjunctivitis
If your conjunctivitis symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
TDIU provides compensation at the 100% disability rate, even if your conjunctivitis VA rating alone doesn’t reach 100%.
To qualify for TDIU, you must have a single service-connected disability rated at 60% or more, or two or more service-connected disabilities with one rated at least 40% and a combined rating of 70% or higher.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VA rating for chronic conjunctivitis?
The chronic conjunctivitis VA rating can be 10% if the condition is active and produces visible symptoms. If inactive, it’s rated based on any residual effects.
What’s the difference between allergic and chronic conjunctivitis in VA disability claims?
Allergic conjunctivitis is generally triggered by allergens and is often seasonal. Chronic conjunctivitis is long-term and often results from exposure to irritants or infection.
The VA rates allergic and other nontrachomatous chronic conjunctivitis under Diagnostic Code 6018, while trachomatous conjunctivitis is rated separately under Diagnostic Code 6017.
How do I prove conjunctivitis is connected to my military service?
You need three key elements: a current medical diagnosis, proof that it began or worsened during service, and a medical nexus connecting it to your military experience.
Can conjunctivitis be rated as a secondary condition?
Yes. Conjunctivitis can be service-connected secondarily if it develops due to another service-connected condition, such as chronic sinusitis, allergies, or burn pit exposure. A nexus letter linking the primary and secondary condition is typically needed.
Conclusion
Living with conjunctivitis after service isn’t just a minor nuisance; it’s a daily struggle that can drain your energy, confidence, and clarity.
You don’t have to settle for blurry vision or unrecognized symptoms.
Whether it’s allergic conjunctivitis from burn pits or chronic conjunctivitis from years in rough environments, this condition deserves attention, recognition, and proper evaluation by the VA.
VA Claims Insider gives you the insight, direction, and strategic edge to take action. You don’t have to wonder if you’re doing it right. You don’t have to navigate the system alone. The conjunctivitis VA rating you receive should reflect what you live with every day.
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About the 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.
