Aphakia
The VA rates Aphakia under Diagnostic Code 6027 at a single 30% level. The 30% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 6027 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 30%
- Maximum rating
- 30%
- Rating tiers
- 1
- CFR section
- Part 4, DC 6027
- Body system
- Organs of Special Sense
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
30%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Aphakia?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Aphakia (absence of the crystalline lens): Unilateral; or Bilateral aphakia not corrected by contact lenses. Note: Aphakia is the absence of the lens of the eye, often following cataract surgery. Rate by visual acuity if best corrected vision is determinable. |
“Aphakia (absence of the crystalline lens): Unilateral; or Bilateral aphakia not corrected by contact lenses.”
What other organs of special sense conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Aphakia in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 6021EntropionRated up to 20%
- 6022LagophthalmosRated up to 20%
- 6023Loss of eyebrows, complete, unilateral or bilateralRated up to 10%
- 6024Loss of eyelashes, complete, unilateral or bilateralRated up to 10%
- 6025Disorders of the lacrimal apparatus (epiphora, dacryocystitis, etc.)Rated up to 20%
- 6029Aphakia or dislocation of crystalline lensRated up to 30%
- 6030Paralysis of accommodation (due to neuropathy of the Oculomotor Nerve (cranial nerve III)).Rated up to 20%
- 6036Status post corneal transplantRated up to 10%
- 6061Anatomical loss of both eyes 1Rated up to 100%
- 6062No more than light perception in both eyes 1Rated up to 100%
Common Questions About Aphakia VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Aphakia?
The VA rates Aphakia under Diagnostic Code 6027 at 30%. The minimum 30% rating requires: Aphakia (absence of the crystalline lens): Unilateral; or Bilateral aphakia not corrected by contact lenses.. The maximum 30% rating requires: Aphakia (absence of the crystalline lens): Unilateral; or Bilateral aphakia not corrected by contact lenses..
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Aphakia?
The VA rates Aphakia under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6027, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR Part 4, DC 6027. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
Can Aphakia qualify for TDIU?
Aphakia maxes at 30%, well below the single-disability TDIU threshold. However, combined with other service-connected disabilities, TDIU may be achievable under 38 CFR § 4.16. Focus on establishing secondary conditions to increase the combined rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Aphakia?
The key evidence for Aphakia is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Aphakia?
The C&P examiner uses a Organs of Special Sense DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6027 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
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