Outdoor military activities can expose service members to intense sunlight, dust, and trauma, which are known risk factors for eye problems including cataracts.
That leads many veterans dealing with cataracts to wonder, “Is VA cataract surgery covered?”
In this post, we’ll look at what cataracts are, whether VA cataract surgery is covered, and how the VA rates cataracts both before and after surgery.
Let’s take a look.
- What is Cataract?
- VA Cataract Surgery
- Will the VA Pay for Cataract Surgery?
- How the VA Rates Cataracts
- VA Compensation For Cataract Surgery
- VA Cataract Surgery (FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the VA cover cataract surgery?
- Will the VA cover the cost of cataract surgery performed by non-VA providers?
- Does CHAMPVA cover cataract surgery for dependents of veterans?
- What’s the procedure for scheduling cataract surgery through the VA?
- What kind of pre-operative and post-operative care is provided by the VA for cataract surgery?
- Are there any resources or counseling available for veterans considering cataract surgery?
- NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?
What is Cataract?
A cataract is a medical condition characterized by clouding of the lens of the eye, which leads to a decrease in vision.
The lens of the eye is normally clear and helps to focus light onto the retina, allowing us to see clearly. However, with age and other factors, the proteins in the lens can clump together, causing the lens to become cloudy or opaque.
This clouding interferes with the passage of light through the lens, resulting in blurred or distorted vision.
Cataracts typically develop slowly over time and can occur in one or both eyes.
Common Symptoms of Cataracts
- Blurred or cloudy vision: Objects may appear hazy or less sharp than they used to.
- Sensitivity to light: Lights, especially bright ones, might cause glare or halo effects.
- Difficulty seeing at night: Vision may be especially impaired in low-light conditions.
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
Causes of Cataracts
- Aging
- Genetics: A family history of cataracts can increase your risk.
- Trauma: Eye injuries can lead to the development of cataracts.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes and certain metabolic disorders can contribute to cataract formation.
- Smoking and alcohol
- Excessive sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light without protection may play a role.
- Certain medications: Long-term use of some medications, such as corticosteroids, can increase the risk of cataracts.
VA Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is a medical procedure used to remove the cloudy lens from the eye and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore clear vision.
Cataract surgery is a commonly performed and highly successful procedure, with a low risk of complications. This surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis allowing patients to return home on the same day. The procedure itself lasts for one hour and it’s generally painless.
The recovery period following cataract surgery ranges from 2 to 6 weeks. During this time it’s common for patients to experience vision, double vision or a gritty sensation.
Does the VA Cover Cataract Surgery?
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Will the VA Pay for Cataract Surgery?
Yes! Cataract surgery and vision correction procedures are covered by VA Healthcare if your cataracts are service-connected.
VA Healthcare will cover not only the surgery itself but also care before and after surgery.
How the VA Rates Cataracts
Cataracts are rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60% (Diagnostic Code (DC) 6027).
VA Ratings BEFORE Cataract Surgery
In cases where cataract surgery hasn’t been performed, the evaluation is conducted using the General Rating Formula for Eye Diseases.
The percentage you’re awarded depends on the severity of your symptoms, such as overall visual impairment and the presence of incapacitating episodes.
Incapacitating episodes refer to instances that required medical treatment such as laser treatments, surgeries, and eye injections.
The VA’s General Rating Formula for Eye Diseases is as follows:
- 60%: When documented incapacitating episodes demand 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition within the past 12 months.
- 40%: When documented incapacitating episodes necessitate at least 5 but no more than 7 treatment visits for an eye condition within the past 12 months.
- 20%: When documented incapacitating episodes require at least 3 but fewer than 5 treatment visits for an eye condition within the past 12 months.
- 10%: When documented incapacitating episodes mandate at least 1 but fewer than 3 treatment visits for an eye condition within the past 12 months.
VA Ratings AFTER Cataract Surgery
When cataract surgery has been performed, the same General Rating Formula mentioned above is used.
However, the rating might vary based on the outcome of the surgery.
In cases where a replacement lens is implanted (referred to as pseudophakia), the evaluation is conducted using the standard General Rating Formula.
Conversely, if no replacement lens is present, the assessment is conducted under DC 6029, focusing on aphakia.
VA Compensation For Cataract Surgery
If your cataracts are a result of conditions connected to your service, you may qualify for benefits.
For example, if exposure to factors during your time in service led to the development of cataracts, you could be eligible for compensation based on your VA rating.
VA Cataract Surgery (FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
Does the VA cover cataract surgery?
Yes, the VA does cover cataract surgery for eligible veterans who are enrolled in VA healthcare. The coverage includes the surgical procedure and necessary follow-up care.
Will the VA cover the cost of cataract surgery performed by non-VA providers?
The VA may cover cataract surgery performed by non-VA providers, but it’s important for veterans to communicate with the VA to understand the coverage options and any associated costs.
Does CHAMPVA cover cataract surgery for dependents of veterans?
CHAMPVA may cover cataract surgery for eligible dependents of veterans. Beneficiaries should review CHAMPVA guidelines to determine coverage eligibility.
What’s the procedure for scheduling cataract surgery through the VA?
Veterans should begin by consulting a VA healthcare provider for a comprehensive eye examination. If the provider recommends cataract surgery, they will guide the veteran through the scheduling process.
What kind of pre-operative and post-operative care is provided by the VA for cataract surgery?
The VA provides comprehensive preoperative evaluations and post-operative follow-up care to ensure the best possible outcomes for veterans undergoing cataract surgery.
Are there any resources or counseling available for veterans considering cataract surgery?
Yes, the VA offers resources and counseling to help veterans understand their options, make informed decisions about cataract surgery, and navigate the VA healthcare system effectively.
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Brian Reese
Brian Reese is one of the top VA disability benefits experts in the world and bestselling author of You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits You’ve Earned (Second Edition).
Brian’s frustration with the VA claim process led him to create VA Claims Insider, which provides disabled veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned to win their VA disability compensation claim, faster, even if they’ve already filed, been denied, gave up, or don’t know where to start.
As the founder of VA Claims Insider and CEO of Military Disability Made Easy, he has helped serve more than 10 million military members and veterans since 2013 through free online educational resources.
He is a former active duty Air Force officer with extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class).
