Diagnostic Code 6001 · 38 CFR §4.79
Keratopathy refers to diseases and damage affecting the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Corneal conditions can cause pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and in severe cases, significant vision loss. Veterans may develop keratopathy from blast injuries, chemical exposures, foreign body injuries, or infections contracted during service. Common forms include corneal scarring, band keratopathy (calcium deposits on the cornea), bullous keratopathy (corneal swelling), and exposure keratopathy from incomplete eyelid closure. The VA rates keratopathy under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye, based on incapacitating episodes or the resulting visual impairment, whichever is higher.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | Seven or more incapacitating episodes requiring treatment visits during the past 12 months, or visual impairment equivalent to this level. |
| 40% | At least five but fewer than seven treatment visits for incapacitating episodes during the past 12 months. |
| 20% | At least three but fewer than five treatment visits for incapacitating episodes during the past 12 months. |
| 10% | At least one but fewer than three treatment visits for incapacitating episodes during the past 12 months. |
Corneal examination findings including slit-lamp images or descriptions are essential. Visual acuity testing showing impact on vision documents the severity. You need documentation of the in-service event causing the corneal damage, treatment records including medications and any surgical procedures, and records of corneal transplant or other surgical interventions if performed.
The VA may rate the active corneal disease under DC 6001 based on incapacitating episodes, or rate based on the resulting visual impairment (visual acuity or visual field loss), whichever method provides the higher rating. They will not usually assign separate ratings for both.
If you undergo a corneal transplant, the VA will evaluate the outcome. If the transplant restores good vision, the rating may decrease. If complications persist or the transplant fails, the rating should reflect the ongoing impairment. Transplant rejection episodes count as incapacitating episodes.