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May 28, 2024

VA Disability for Dry Eye Syndrome

Last updated on June 17, 2024

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Dry eye syndrome is more than a nuisance; it’s an uncomfortable condition that causes itchiness, redness, and blurred vision.  

If you’re a veteran suffering from dry eyes, it’s important you understand what you’re entitled to.  

This post will break down dry eye syndrome in veterans, including how to service connect your condition, how to file a VA claim, VA ratings for eye conditions, and much more.  

Do you qualify for VA disability for dry eye syndrome?  

Let’s find out. 

Summary of Key Points  

  • VA disability for dry eye syndrome can be rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60%.
  • The VA rating chart for dry eye syndrome is found under the Schedule of Ratings for Diseases of the Eye.  
  • You can file for VA disability for dry eye syndrome online, by mail, or in person.  
VA DISABILITY FOR DRY EYE SYNDROME

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Dry Eye Syndrome in Veterans

Dry eye disease generally occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or your tears evaporate too quickly.  

According to a 2021 study, veterans with Gulf War illness (GWI) had more severe dry eye symptoms than those who served in the Gulf War but didn’t meet the criteria for GWI. 

Other causes of dry eye syndrome in veterans include exposure to wind, dust, or dry weather.  

You can treat dry eye syndrome with over-the-counter treatments, but sometimes, people need more aggressive treatment methods.  

Symptoms

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome include, but are not limited to: 

  • Sensitivity to light 
  • A burning or stinging sensation in your eyes 
  • Eye redness 
  • Watery eyes 
  • Blurred vision or eye fatigue  

Dry eye syndrome can affect one or both eyes, so it’s common for you to experience discomfort in only one eye.  

DRY EYE SYNDROME VA DISABILITY

VA Disability for Dry Eye Syndrome

The VA eye conditions under § 4.79 Schedule of ratings— diseases of the eye. Dry eye VA disability ratings range from 10%-60%, with breaks at 20% and 40%.  

Your VA disability for dry eye syndrome will depend on the number of documented incapacitating episodes you have in a year that require treatment visits.  

How to Service-Connect Dry Eye Syndrome

To receive VA disability for dry eye syndrome, you must prove service connection. To do this, you need: 

  1. A current medical diagnosis of dry eye syndrome 
  1. An in-service event, illness, injury, or aggravation  
  1. A medical nexus, or link, between your medication condition and military service 

3 Things the VA Needs to Prove Your Service-Connected Disability (Video)

How to File for Dry Eye Syndrome VA Disability

You have several options when filing for VA disability for dry eyes. While the easiest way to file a VA claim is online, you can also: 

  1. Download, print, and complete VA Form 21-526EZ, then mail your application to

Department of Veterans Affairs 
Claims Intake Center 
PO Box 4444 
Janesville, WI 53547-4444 

  1. Bring your completed application to a VA regional office near you.  
  1. Fax your completed application to: 

844-531-7818 (Inside the U.S) 

248-524-4260 (Outside the U.S.) 

Regardless of your method of choice, ensure you completely fill out your VA claim application, avoiding potential delays in the process.  

See Also: How to File a VA Claim Online (17-Step Tutorial)  

Evidence Needed to Support Your VA Claim

To help support your VA claim for dry eye VA disability, it’s recommended you include the following evidence. While the VA doesn’t require you to submit evidence, it can help them determine whether you require a claim exam to help them better understand your condition.  

  • VA medical records and hospital records 
  • Private medical records and hospital reports  
  • Supporting statements 

VA and private medical records and hospital reports can help show records of your claimed illnesses or injuries or show that your rated disability has worsened.  

Supporting statements come from: 

  • Family members 
  • Friends 
  • Clergy members  
  • Law enforcement personnel 
  • Fellow service members  
DRY EYE SYNDROME VA RATING

How the VA Rates Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is one of those tricky conditions that doesn’t have a specific diagnostic code. However, as an unlisted condition, it can be rated under a closely related disease or injury affecting the same body part with similar symptoms.  

For example, any condition that affects the production of tears (disorders of the lacrimal apparatus) is rated under code 6025. If one eye is affected, it is rated 10%. If both eyes are affected, the condition is rated 20%. 

VA Rating Chart for Eye Conditions Affecting the Production of Tears

DC 6025, Disorders of the lacrimal apparatus (epiphora, dacryocystitis, etc.) VA Rating  
Bilateral  20% 
Unilateral  10% 
VA Rating Chart for Eye Conditions Affecting the Production of Tears

VA Disability Rating Chart for Eye Conditions

General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye: VA Rating  
Evaluate on the basis of either visual impairment due to the particular condition or on incapacitating episodes, whichever results in a higher evaluation  
With documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months 60% 
With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 5 but less than 7 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months 40% 
With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 3 but less than 5 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months 20% 
With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months 10% 
Note (1): For the purposes of evaluation under 38 CFR 4.79, an incapacitating episode is an eye condition severe enough to require a clinic visit to a provider specifically for treatment purposes  
Note (2): Examples of treatment may include but are not limited to: Systemic immunosuppressants or biologic agents; intravitreal or periocular injections; laser treatments; or other surgical interventions  
Note (3): For the purposes of evaluating visual impairment due to the particular condition, refer to 38 CFR 4.75-4.78 and to § 4.79, diagnostic codes 6061-6091  
VA Rating Chart for Eye Conditions

Additional Resource: Insider’s Guide to VA Eye Disability Ratings

Check out our Complete Insider’s Guide to Eye Disability Ratings for more information about receiving disability for eye conditions.  

BILATERAL DRY EYE SYNDROME VA RATING

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you qualify for dry eye VA disability?

To qualify for dry eye VA disability, you must prove your military service caused your condition. In addition, it’s recommended you obtain medical evidence to help strengthen your case when submitting your VA claim.  

Is dry eye syndrome a presumptive condition?

No, dry eye syndrome isn’t a presumptive condition. However, you may still qualify for a dry eye syndrome VA rating if you can prove your military service caused your condition.  

Is there a bilateral dry eye syndrome VA rating?

If you have a condition affecting the production of tears in both eyes, you may qualify for a 20% VA rating.  

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At VA Claims Insider, we help you understand and take control of the claims process so you can get the rating and compensation you’re owed by law.   

Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully-developed claim (FDC)—so you can increase your rating FAST!   

If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating—or you’re unsure how to get started—reach out to us! Take advantage of a FREE VA Claim Discovery Call.    

Learn what you’ve been missing—so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE! 

Kelly Olone

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. 

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