Dry Eyes VA Rating

Dry eyes, also known medically as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a prevalent eye condition that occurs when there is insufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. It’s characterized by a stinging, burning sensation, along with the feeling of having a foreign body in the eye. If left unmanaged, dry eyes can potentially lead to complications that may adversely affect one’s vision.

In the context of veterans, dry eyes is a significant concern, given their exposure to conditions during their service that are conducive to eye-related issues. Hence, the concept of the Veterans Affairs (VA) rating. The VA rating system attempts to assess the severity of a veteran’s disability caused by their service, providing them with VA benefits that range as per the rating. The following sections will delve deeper into the implications of the VA rating for dry eyes.

Understanding Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eyes manifest in various symptoms ranging from redness and itchiness to blurred vision and sensitivity to light and visual impairment. The causes are multifaceted, typically deriving from issues pertaining to tear production, evaporation, and drainage.

Ignoring or mismanaging dry eyes can escalate the situation, leading to significant medical implications. Cases of chronic dry eyes can result in severe inflammation and possibly scar the cornea. Ironically, excessive tearing can also be a symptom of dry eye syndrome, a scenario where tears of poor quality provide insufficient moisture.

Dry Eyes and Veterans

Veterans are particularly vulnerable to dry eye due to the harsh environments and scenarios they are exposed to during their service. For instance, those deployed in deserts may experience more eye injury problems due to exposure to sand and dust.

Even those stationed in cold climates are not spared, as windy conditions contribute substantially to the evaporation of tears. Exposure to toxic substances such as burn pits can also cause dry eye and vision problems. Additionally, veterans may experience increased dry eyes and blurred vision due to long hours spent focusing on computer screens or other devices.

VA Disability Rating System

The VA disability rating system is a measure devised by Veterans Affairs for rating disabilities. The ratings, which vary from 0% to 100%, directly influence the VA disability benefits that can be awarded to a VA disability claim.

A critical component of this system is the criteria it employs for rating different disabilities. This is where the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (SRD) comes into play. The SRD defines the standards for each rating, consequently guiding the evaluation process.

Navigating Dry Eyes VA Rating

The VA rating system classifies dry eyes under the eye condition category. The rating for dry eyes in this system largely depends upon the severity of the eye injury.

The process to get rated consists of a medical examination, typically conducted by a VA healthcare provider. Both the frequency and severity of symptoms and vision problems are taken into consideration during the assessment. These findings are then compared with the VA disability calculator to determine the rating for the right VA disability compensation amount.

Factors Affecting Dry Eyes VA Rating

The precise rating for a veteran’s dry eyes hinges upon several factors. The frequency and intensity of symptoms, such as the persistence of foreign body sensation, excess tearing, vision loss, or even the inability to open eyes due to discomfort, play crucial roles in the VA disability claim.

Furthermore, the degree to which their daily routine is disrupted by these cases will also be evaluated. A significant disruption in daily routine would result in a higher rating, thus, warranting more VA disability compensation.

How to Manage Dry Eyes

Various strategies can mitigate dry eyes, such as the use of eye drops to lubricate the eye. Taking breaks during activities like reading or computer use that can dry the eyes is highly recommended as well.

On the medical front, surgeons can block tear ducts with silicone plugs to retain tears. In severe cases, medication like cyclosporine or steroids can be used to control inflammation.

Benefits and Programs Available for Veterans with Dry Eyes

The VA provides an array of benefits and support programs for veterans suffering from dry eyes. These include compensation for their condition, support for glasses or corrective surgeries, free medications, and comprehensive VA healthcare.

To gain access to these benefits, veterans need to fill out their VA claim via VA Form 21-526EZ, referred to as the “Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits”.

We invite all veterans to take our quiz at Benefits.com to see for which benefits you are eligible. Get started on your benefits journey today!