Eye injuries, eyesight damage, and vision loss are common among military personnel. Veterans who suffer permanent or chronic injury to an eye during service may qualify for disability benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Although there are many eye injuries that are ratable by the VA, it’s not always easy to submit a successful claim and receive compensation. Having a skilled and experienced VA benefits attorney working with you can help ensure the best possible outcome for your claim. Below is a list of eye injuries that should qualify for VA benefits.

These Eye Injuries That Should Qualify for VA Benefits

eye injuries that should qualify for VA benefitsCommon eye conditions that are ratable by the VA include blindness, injuries that have not healed, and visual impairment. However, there are other conditions and diseases that may be directly service-connected or are secondary conditions, including:

  • The loss of one or both eyes
  • The loss of the eyebrows, eyelashes, or eyelids
  • Conjunctivitis-related conditions such as eye ulcers and inflammation of the cornea
  • Corneal conditions such as keratitis and dry eye
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Retinal conditions
  • Ptosis of one or both eyes
  • Tumors

VA Rating Formula

If you suffered an eye injury or condition that you can connect to your time in the military, the VA will likely give it a percentage rating that coincides with the amount of compensation you’ll receive. Here is a brief overview of that formula:

  • A rating of 10%. With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least one but less than three treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months.
  • A rating of 20%. With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least three but less than five treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months.
  • A rating of 40%. With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least five but less than seven treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months.
  • A rating of 60%. With documented incapacitating episodes requiring seven or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months.

Contact Cuddigan Law for VA Eye Disability Benefits

If you have a service-connected eye injury that has disrupted your life and/or ability to work, we can help. The attorneys at Cuddigan Law have been supporting veterans for years, and we can assist you if you need VA disability benefits. Contact our office online or call us today, and speak to an intake specialist for free.

Sean D. Cuddigan
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SSA and VA Disability Attorney in Omaha, Nebraska
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