VA Disability Rating for Keratopathy (DC 6001)
Diagnostic Code 6001 · 38 CFR §4.79
What Is It?
Keratopathy refers to diseases and damage affecting the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Corneal conditions can cause pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and in severe cases, significant vision loss. Veterans may develop keratopathy from blast injuries, chemical exposures, foreign body injuries, or infections contracted during service. Common forms include corneal scarring, band keratopathy (calcium deposits on the cornea), bullous keratopathy (corneal swelling), and exposure keratopathy from incomplete eyelid closure. The VA rates keratopathy under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye, based on incapacitating episodes or the resulting visual impairment, whichever is higher.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | 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% | Documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 5 but less than 7 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. |
| 20% | Documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 3 but less than 5 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. |
| 10% | Documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. |
Evidence Needed
Corneal examination findings including slit-lamp images or descriptions are essential. Visual acuity testing showing impact on vision documents the severity. You need documentation of the in-service event causing the corneal damage, treatment records including medications and any surgical procedures, and records of corneal transplant or other surgical interventions if performed.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring records of the injury or exposure that caused the corneal damage. Have visual acuity test results from recent ophthalmology visits. Describe daily symptoms including pain, light sensitivity, tearing, and vision changes. Document any corneal procedures you have undergone. Mention how the condition affects driving, reading, and outdoor activities.
How to File
File under DC 6001 with corneal examination findings and the service connection for the corneal damage. Include visual acuity testing and documentation of treatment. If your keratopathy was caused by a blast, chemical exposure, or foreign body during service, include records of that event.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is not connecting corneal damage to the specific in-service incident. Veterans also frequently fail to document the frequency of painful episodes. Not claiming vision loss from corneal scarring under the visual acuity codes is another missed opportunity, as is overlooking chronic dry eye as a secondary condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the VA rate both the corneal condition and the resulting vision loss?
The VA may rate the active corneal disease under DC 6001 based on incapacitating episodes, or rate based on the resulting visual impairment (visual acuity or visual field loss), whichever method provides the higher rating. They will not usually assign separate ratings for both.
Does corneal transplant surgery affect my rating?
A transplanted eye is evaluated under DC 6036, status post corneal transplant, which uses the same General Rating Formula and adds a 10 percent minimum where there is pain, photophobia, and glare sensitivity. If the transplant restores good vision, the rating may decrease. If complications persist or the transplant fails, the rating should reflect the ongoing impairment. Clinic visits to treat a rejection episode can count toward the incapacitating-episode basis.