Diagnostic Code 6024 · 38 CFR §4.79
Aphakia is the absence of the natural lens of the eye, usually resulting from surgical removal during cataract surgery or from traumatic eye injury. When the lens is removed and not replaced with an intraocular lens implant, the eye loses its ability to focus. For veterans, this often results from combat eye injuries, blast exposures, or cataracts that developed from service-connected causes.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Loss of the natural lens in one or both eyes (aphakia), whether from surgical removal or traumatic loss, is rated at a minimum of 30 percent. Higher ratings apply if the resulting visual acuity loss warrants it. |
Ophthalmology records confirming lens removal or absence, surgical reports if applicable, current visual acuity measurements with and without correction, and documentation connecting the lens loss to service or a service-connected condition. If cataract surgery led to aphakia, records showing the cataracts were service-connected are needed.
No. Aphakia means no lens at all, while pseudophakia means an artificial intraocular lens was placed. Aphakia has a guaranteed minimum 30 percent rating. Pseudophakia is rated based on the resulting visual acuity and may rate lower.
Yes. If cataracts developed due to service (radiation exposure, trauma, steroid use for service-connected conditions) and surgical removal left you aphakic, you can claim both the cataracts and the resulting aphakia.