Diagnostic Code 6036 · 38 CFR §4.79
This code applies to veterans who have undergone corneal transplant (keratoplasty) surgery for a service-connected eye condition. Corneal transplants are performed for conditions like keratoconus, corneal scarring from trauma, or corneal dystrophies. Even after successful surgery, the transplanted cornea may produce irregular astigmatism, rejection episodes, or ongoing visual limitations that warrant a disability rating.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Minimum rating during the first year following corneal transplant surgery to account for healing and stabilization. |
| 10% | After the first year, rated based on resulting visual acuity if the graft is clear and stable with good vision. |
| 20% | After stabilization, visual acuity loss from residual astigmatism or graft irregularity meeting the 20 percent level. |
| 60% | Graft failure or rejection resulting in significant visual impairment in the transplanted eye and the other eye. |
Surgical records of the corneal transplant, follow-up ophthalmology records showing graft status, current visual acuity measurements, documentation of any rejection episodes, and records connecting the underlying condition requiring transplant to service.
The minimum 30 percent rating applies for one year following the transplant surgery. After that, the VA will schedule a re-examination and rate based on the resulting visual acuity and graft health.
Graft rejection can cause the transplanted cornea to become cloudy and fail. If this happens, you should request an increased rating based on the resulting vision loss. A second transplant may also be needed, which would restart the one-year minimum rating period.