Diagnostic Code 6030 · 38 CFR §4.79
Paralysis of accommodation is the inability of the eye to focus on near objects due to damage to the ciliary muscle or the nerve supply controlling it. This condition makes reading and close work extremely difficult without corrective lenses. In veterans, it commonly results from traumatic brain injury, cranial nerve damage, or orbital trauma sustained during service.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Bilateral paralysis of accommodation requiring special corrective lenses for near vision and limiting the ability to perform close work. |
| 10% | Unilateral paralysis of accommodation requiring corrective measures with documented impact on daily function. |
| 0% | Minimal accommodation deficit fully correctable with standard reading glasses and no functional impact beyond normal age-related changes. |
Ophthalmology records documenting the accommodation deficit through near-point testing, documentation of the traumatic event causing nerve or muscle damage, prescription records showing special corrective lenses needed, and records from the service-connected injury (TBI, orbital fracture, nerve damage).
Normal presbyopia occurs gradually with aging as the lens hardens. Paralysis of accommodation is caused by nerve or muscle damage and can occur at any age. The VA rates them differently because paralysis of accommodation is a disability from injury, not natural aging.
Yes. The cranial nerves that control focusing can be damaged in traumatic brain injuries. If your TBI is service-connected and caused accommodation problems, you can claim this as a secondary condition.