Can You Get a VA Rating for Astigmatism? 

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If you’re a veteran dealing with blurry vision, eye strain, or trouble focusing, you might be wondering if you can get VA disability benefits for astigmatism. The answer depends on what’s causing your condition and whether it can be connected to your military service. 

While regular astigmatism is usually not rated on its own, the VA may assign a disability rating for irregular astigmatism if it’s caused or worsened by a service-connected injury, illness, or eye disorder. 

In this blog post, we’ll explain: 

• When astigmatism may be eligible for VA disability benefits 

• How the VA evaluates astigmatism 

• What kind of evidence and exams you need to support your VA claim 

Let’s get started!

Summary of Key Points

• The VA typically does not rate regular astigmatism unless it results from a service-connected cause. 

• Irregular astigmatism may qualify for VA disability if caused by injury, surgery, chemical exposure, or an underlying service-connected eye condition. 

• VA ratings are based on visual acuity (clarity of central vision), not just the presence of astigmatism. 

• Medical evidence and a clear nexus (connection) to service are essential for a successful claim. 

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is a common eye condition caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, which leads to light being unevenly focused on the retina. This can result in: 

• Blurry or distorted vision 

• Eye fatigue 

• Double vision 

• Difficulty seeing clearly at night 

Many people have mild astigmatism corrected with glasses or contact lenses. But in some cases, especially for veterans, astigmatism may result from injuries, trauma, or illness connected to military service. 

Regular vs. Irregular Astigmatism

There are two primary types of astigmatism: 

• Regular Astigmatism: Smooth, football-shaped curvature of the cornea; typically correctable with standard lenses. The VA generally does not rate this type unless it’s secondary to another ratable eye condition. 

• Irregular Astigmatism: Uneven or misshapen cornea, often caused by injury, scarring, corneal surgery, or conditions like keratoconus (where the cornea thins and bulges outward). This type is potentially ratable if connected to service. 

Example: Veterans exposed to sulfur mustard or other chemicals may experience corneal damage leading to irregular astigmatism.

How the VA Rates Astigmatism

There is no actual VA rating for astigmatism. Instead, the VA uses 38 CFR § 4.79 – Schedule of Ratings for the Eye to evaluate vision-related disabilities. Astigmatism itself doesn’t have a dedicated diagnostic code—instead, the VA focuses on visual impairment, specifically central visual acuity and visual field loss. 

Diagnostic Codes That May Apply: 

• DC 6061–6066 – Impairment of central visual acuity 

• DC 6009 – Unhealed eye injury (e.g., corneal scarring causing astigmatism) 

• DC 6035 – Keratoconus 

To qualify for a rating, the veteran must typically show 20/40 vision or worse in one or both eyes, even with corrective lenses.

Visual Acuity Ratings (Simplified)

The VA rates vision loss based on how well you can see with correction (i.e., with glasses). Here’s a summary of how ratings are assigned under DC 6061–6066: 

Vision in One Eye	Vision in Other Eye	VA Rating
5/200 or worse	5/200 or worse	100%
20/100	20/100	50%
20/70	20/70	30%
20/50	20/50	10%
20/40	20/40	0%

Source: VA Schedule for Rating Eye Conditions (38 CFR § 4.79) 

Proving Service Connection for Astigmatism

To qualify for VA disability, you need to show that your astigmatism is service-connected. This requires: 

• A current diagnosis (preferably from a qualified eye specialist) 

• A record of the in-service injury, illness, or event 

• A medical nexus linking your condition to your military service 

View the VA’s guidance on medical opinions and nexus letters

See Also: Insider’s Guide to VA Eye Disability Ratings

VA Disability Compensation for Astigmatism

If your astigmatism qualifies for a rating based on visual acuity, monthly compensation depends on the assigned percentage: 

VA Rating	Monthly VA Compensation
10%	$175+
30%	$537+
50%	$1,102+
100%	$3,200+

See also: VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities 

Real-Life Example: How One Veteran Won Benefits for Astigmatism

SPC Harris, a former Army medic, sustained a facial injury during a vehicle rollover. Years later, he experienced chronic blurry vision and eye strain. An ophthalmologist diagnosed irregular astigmatism due to corneal scarring. 

The VA initially denied his claim. But after submitting a detailed nexus letter connecting the injury to his service, the VA approved his appeal. 

• Final VA Rating: 30% under DC 6009 (Unhealed eye injury) 

How to File a Claim

To apply for VA disability for astigmatism: 

Complete VA Form 21-526EZ and submit it: 

• Online via VA.gov 

• By mail to: 
  Department of Veterans Affairs 
  Evidence Intake Center 
  PO Box 4444 
  Janesville, WI 53547-4444 

• Or deliver it in person to your local VA Regional Office 

C&P Exam for Astigmatism

If you file a VA claim for astigmatism, you’ll likely be scheduled for a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. This exam evaluates: 

• Your corrected and uncorrected visual acuity 

• Whether your astigmatism is regular or irregular 

• Any damage to your cornea or lens 

• Whether your astigmatism is connected to your service 

Important: Only an optometrist or ophthalmologist can perform a valid C&P exam for eye claims. If another provider is assigned, notify the VA. 

Conclusion

Although regular astigmatism is not typically rated, veterans may qualify for compensation when their condition stems from a service-connected injury, illness, or eye disorder. 

If your vision problems are affecting your daily life or ability to work, don’t dismiss them. You may be entitled to VA benefits, and with strong medical evidence and expert support, you can build a winning claim. 

(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get VA disability for astigmatism?

Yes, if it’s caused or worsened by a service-connected injury or illness. The VA doesn’t rate regular astigmatism on its own. 

What conditions can cause secondary astigmatism?

Eye trauma, corneal scarring, keratoconus, certain surgeries, TBI, or chemical exposure. 

How is astigmatism rated by the VA? 

Through visual acuity testing and severity of vision loss. Irregular astigmatism may be rated if connected to a service injury or condition. 

Will wearing glasses affect my VA rating? 

Yes. The VA evaluates your corrected vision with glasses or contacts to determine rating eligibility.

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