Keratopathy — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6001)
The VA rates Keratopathy under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.79, Diagnostic Code 6001, from 10% to 60% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 60% rating requires With documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. Related conditions in the Organs Of Special Sense body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Keratopathy?
With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months
With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 3 but less than 5 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months
With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 5 but less than 7 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months
With documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months
“With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 5 but less than 7 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months”
How does the VA rate Organs Of Special Sense conditions?
Common Questions About Keratopathy VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Keratopathy?
The VA rates Keratopathy under Diagnostic Code 6001 at the following tiers: 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.
What is Diagnostic Code 6001?
Diagnostic Code 6001 is the VA rating identifier for Keratopathy within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.79. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.
What is the highest rating for Keratopathy?
The highest schedular rating for Keratopathy under DC 6001 is 60%. This tier requires: With documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Keratopathy alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Keratopathy ratings?
Keratopathy is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.79, Diagnostic Code 6001. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Keratopathy?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Keratopathy may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Keratopathy?
Service connection for Keratopathy requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.
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