Dry Eye

[hayley3]

I have severe dry eye due to reactive arthritis. I looked but couldn't find anything that was even close. Does anyone know?

Thanks,

Susie

[Berta]

Dry Eye syndrome if caused by a service connected condition- is ratable but only at 10%.

http://www.va.gov/vetapp00/files3/0021273.txt

10 %

and this decision explains it better:

The Board notes that the veteran has consistently complained

of chronic dryness, irritation, and redness. Treatment

records show that this is secondary to the veteran's

treatment for his service-connected hepatitis. The symptoms

of chronic dryness, irritation, and redness of the eye are

also symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis. See Dorland's

Illustrated Medical Dictionary, 28th Edition, p. 1077. Given

the great similarity of the symptomatology, the Board finds

it appropriate to evaluate the symptoms of the veteran's dry

eye syndrome under Diagnostic Code 6018 for chronic

conjunctivitis. Diagnostic Code 6018 provides that a 10

percent rating will be assigned for chronic conjunctivitis

that is active with objective symptoms. A 10 percent rating

is the highest rating assignable under Diagnostic Code 6018.

The Board, therefore, finds that the assignment of a 10

percent rating, but no greater, for the veteran's dry eye

syndrome is warranted.

from:http://www.va.gov/vetapp08/files1/0805010.txt

[hayley3]

Thank you Berta!

No wonder I couldn't find it.

They really should update their regs. Dry eye is very common these days and in some cases alot worse than conjunctivitis.

Thanks,

Susie

Dry Eye syndrome if caused by a service connected condition- is ratable but only at 10%.

http://www.va.gov/vetapp00/files3/0021273.txt

10 %

[LarryJ]

"The veteran is currently at the maximum evaluation available

under Code 6018, which provides a 10 percent evaluation for

active conjunctivitis, with objective symptoms. 38 C.F.R.

Part 4, Code 6018 (1999). However, a higher rating might be

available under the code pertaining to impairment of field of

vision, if such impairment were attributable to the service

connected disability. 38 C.F.R. Part 4, Code 6080 (1999

You will notice that the VA, although denying a rating exceeding the 10% maximum for dry eye syndrome, goes a step further and TELLS you what you need in order to further increase your percentage of disability. It's your choice, either accept the 10% or find an opthomologist that will connect the dots to a higher percentage rate. In other words, a favorable IMO. Otherwise you're stuck.

[hayley3]

Okay, what if the dry eye causes your cornea to tear and causes infection and then distortion of vision around lights? Would it stay the same 10%?

[LarryJ]

No.

But you'd probably wind up looking like this

[hayley3]

I saw that you were quoting BVA decisions so I went and had a look.

There is also a condition called Epiphora which is watering of the eye, which can be related to dry eye because of plugging of the lacrimal glands. So I would guess you would have to apply for both of those conditions to accurately represent severe dry eye.

Thanks for your help!

Susie