VA Disability Rating for Chronic Conjunctivitis (DC 6018)
Diagnostic Code 6018 · 38 CFR §4.79
What Is It?
Chronic conjunctivitis (nontrachomatous) is persistent or recurring inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids. Veterans commonly develop chronic conjunctivitis from exposure to sand, dust, smoke, chemical fumes, or environmental irritants during deployment. Symptoms include red, burning, itchy eyes with discharge, tearing, and light sensitivity. While not typically vision-threatening, the constant irritation significantly affects comfort and quality of life. Under the CFR, active chronic conjunctivitis is evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye with a minimum rating of 10%. Above that minimum, the formula assigns 20, 40 or 60 percent on documented treatment visits during the past 12 months, or evaluates on visual impairment if that is higher. When inactive, it is evaluated based on residuals such as visual impairment and disfigurement.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | Active chronic conjunctivitis with documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. Alternatively, evaluate on visual impairment if that produces a higher evaluation. |
| 40% | Active chronic conjunctivitis with documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 5 but less than 7 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. |
| 20% | Active chronic conjunctivitis with documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 3 but less than 5 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. |
| 10% | Minimum evaluation for active chronic conjunctivitis (nontrachomatous), which the General Rating Formula also assigns for documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. Inactive disease is not evaluated under this row; it is evaluated on residuals, such as visual impairment and disfigurement under DC 7800. |
Evidence Needed
An ophthalmology examination confirming chronic conjunctivitis is essential. Documentation of ongoing symptoms and treatment over months or years, service records documenting exposure to irritants (sand, dust, smoke, chemicals), treatment records showing the chronic nature of the condition, and evidence that the condition has not resolved with standard treatment all strengthen your claim.
C&P Exam Tips
Schedule the exam during a flare if possible to show active inflammation. Bring records showing the pattern of chronic symptoms over time. Describe your deployment environment and specific exposures. List all medications used including eye drops, ointments, and oral medications. Mention how eye irritation affects work, driving, and outdoor activities.
How to File
File under DC 6018 with ophthalmology records showing the chronic nature of the inflammation and evidence of the service-related exposure. Document the ongoing treatment requirement and connect the condition to specific environmental exposures during deployment.
Common Mistakes
Not documenting the chronic, active nature of the inflammation is the most common mistake, since the 10% minimum applies to active disease and higher ratings depend on documented treatment visits. Failing to connect the condition to specific deployment environmental exposures, not claiming secondary dry eye syndrome as a separate condition, and having the exam during remission when active inflammation is not visible are other frequent errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can deployment to dusty environments cause chronic conjunctivitis?
Yes. Prolonged exposure to sand, dust, and other particulate matter during deployment is a well-recognized cause of chronic conjunctivitis. Many veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan operations have developed persistent eye irritation from environmental exposure. Document your deployment conditions as part of your claim.
Is 10% the maximum for conjunctivitis?
No. Under DC 6018, 10% is the minimum for active disease. Active chronic conjunctivitis is evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye, which assigns 20, 40 or 60 percent on documented treatment visits during the past 12 months, or evaluates on visual impairment if that is higher. Problems the condition has caused, such as corneal damage, may be rated under their own diagnostic codes.