Diagnostic Code 6017 · 38 CFR §4.79
Trachoma is a chronic bacterial eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, spread through contact with infected secretions or contaminated surfaces in environments with poor hygiene. Veterans who served in developing regions of Africa, the Middle East, or South Asia may have been exposed. Repeated infection causes scarring of the inner eyelid, which turns the eyelashes inward (trichiasis), scratching the cornea and eventually leading to irreversible blindness. Trachoma remains the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Under the CFR, active trachomatous conjunctivitis receives a minimum 30% rating evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye. When inactive, it is evaluated based on residuals such as visual impairment and disfigurement.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Minimum rating for active trachomatous conjunctivitis, evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye. Higher ratings of 40% or 60% apply with more frequent incapacitating episodes. |
| 40% | Active trachoma with at least five but fewer than seven incapacitating treatment visits during the past 12 months. |
| 60% | Active trachoma with seven or more incapacitating treatment visits during the past 12 months. |
An ophthalmology examination documenting trachomatous changes is essential. Service records showing deployment to trachoma-endemic regions, slit-lamp examination showing conjunctival scarring and any trichiasis, visual acuity testing if corneal damage has occurred, and treatment records including antibiotics and any surgical procedures all strengthen your claim.
Yes. While the active infection can be treated with antibiotics, the scarring it causes is permanent and progressive. Eyelid scarring from past infections continues to cause the lashes to turn inward, damaging the cornea over time even after the infection is gone.
Trachoma is endemic in parts of Africa, the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Central Australia. Veterans who served in these areas, particularly in field conditions with limited water for face washing, had elevated exposure risk.