Keratopathy
The VA rates Keratopathy under Diagnostic Code 6001 across 4 severity levels, from 10% to 60%. The 60% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Also available: View rating schedule for DC 6001
Rating schedule — DC 6001 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.79
- Body system
- Organs of Special Sense
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 40%, 60%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Keratopathy?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months Note: When keratitis causes visual acuity loss, rate under visual acuity codes. |
| 20% | With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 3 but less than 5 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months |
| 40% | With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 5 but less than 7 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months Note: Via General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye: |
| 60% | With documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months Note: Via General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye: |
“With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 5 but less than 7 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months”
Common Questions About Keratopathy VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Keratopathy?
The VA rates Keratopathy under Diagnostic Code 6001 at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%. The minimum 10% rating requires: With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. The maximum 60% rating requires: With documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Keratopathy?
The VA rates Keratopathy under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6001, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.79. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 60% rating for Keratopathy?
A 10% rating requires: With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. A 60% rating requires: With documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Keratopathy qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 60% rating for Keratopathy alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Keratopathy?
The key evidence for Keratopathy 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 Keratopathy?
The C&P examiner uses a Organs of Special Sense DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6001 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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