VA Disability Rating for Dry Eye: How VA Rates It and What It Pays (2026)
Quick answer: Dry eye does not have its own diagnostic code in the VA rating schedule, so VA decides how to rate it based on your diagnosis and findings. Under 38 CFR 4.79, eye conditions can be evaluated on visual impairment or on documented treatment visits, whichever gives the higher evaluation. The treatment-visit formula runs from 10% to 60%. Each claim is decided on its own evidence.
How Does VA Classify Dry Eye?
Dry eye (also called dry eye disease or keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is not named in the eye section of the VA rating schedule, 38 CFR 4.79. When a condition is not listed, 38 CFR 4.20 allows VA to rate it under a closely related condition when the affected functions, the anatomical location and the symptoms are closely analogous. The same section says conjectural analogies are to be avoided, so the diagnosis and the clinical findings in your records matter.
In practice that means the code VA chooses can differ from one veteran to the next. The regulation text does not tell us which code VA will use in your case, so treat the codes below as the ones in the schedule that are most closely related, not as a guaranteed fit.
Diagnostic Codes VA May Use
| DC | Condition in 38 CFR 4.79 | How it is rated |
|---|---|---|
| 6018 | Chronic conjunctivitis (nontrachomatous) | Active: General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye, minimum 10%. Inactive: rate on residuals such as visual impairment and disfigurement |
| 6025 | Disorders of the lacrimal apparatus (epiphora, dacryocystitis, etc.) | Bilateral 20%; unilateral 10% |
| 6001 | Keratopathy | Listed with the diseases evaluated under the General Rating Formula |
A veteran with dry eye may find VA considers one of these, or another code, depending on the exam findings. If you disagree with the code used, the decision letter explains the reasons, and you can pursue review options (see appeal options).
The General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye
Under 38 CFR 4.79, the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye says to evaluate on the basis of either visual impairment due to the condition or on incapacitating episodes, whichever results in a higher evaluation. The incapacitating-episode criteria are:
| Rating | Documented incapacitating episodes requiring treatment visits in the past 12 months |
|---|---|
| 60% | 7 or more treatment visits |
| 40% | At least 5 but fewer than 7 treatment visits |
| 20% | At least 3 but fewer than 5 treatment visits |
| 10% | At least 1 but fewer than 3 treatment visits |
The regulation defines an “incapacitating episode” as an eye condition severe enough to require a clinic visit to a provider specifically for treatment purposes. Its examples of treatment include systemic immunosuppressants or biologic agents, intravitreal or periocular injections, laser treatments, and other surgical interventions; the list is “not limited to” those examples. Whether a particular dry eye visit counts is a question for the rater, so ask your eye provider to document what treatment was given at each visit and why.
Rating Based on Visual Impairment
The other path under the formula is visual impairment. Note (3) of the formula says to refer to 38 CFR 4.75 through 4.78 and diagnostic codes 6061 through 6091 for visual acuity and visual field findings. If measured acuity or visual fields are not affected, the treatment-visit path may be the one that applies; if the condition causes measurable loss of vision, those findings are rated too. Our vision loss rating guide explains how acuity is measured and rated.
Connecting Dry Eye to Service
To be service connected, dry eye needs a current diagnosis, an in-service event, injury or illness, and a link between them. Routes include:
- Direct service connection — eye symptoms documented in service, or an in-service event or exposure that a medical provider connects to the condition. See the nexus letter guide.
- Secondary service connection — dry eye caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition or by medication used to treat one. Dry eye is a recognized feature of Sjögren’s syndrome, which has its own rating guide. A medical opinion should explain the link. See secondary service connection.
Dry eye is not on the burn pit and toxic exposure presumptive list that VA.gov publishes for the PACT Act, so a veteran generally cannot rely on a presumption for it (see PACT Act presumptive conditions). Related eye guides: glaucoma and cataracts and other eye conditions.
Evidence and the C&P Exam
- A diagnosis from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, with test results (for example tear production or corneal findings) in the report
- Treatment records showing each clinic visit, its date, and the treatment given
- A list of the drops, ointments, punctal plugs or procedures used, and how often
- Notes on symptoms such as burning, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and how they affect reading, driving or work
- For secondary claims, a medical opinion linking dry eye to the service-connected condition or its treatment
The VA eye exam is a compensation and pension exam. Our C&P exam guide covers what to expect. Be accurate and specific about your symptoms; do not overstate or understate them.
2026 Pay Rates
Under the VA rates effective December 1, 2025, a 10% rating pays $180.42 per month and a 20% rating pays $356.66 per month. At these two levels the amount does not change with dependents. Rates for 30% and above vary with dependents and are on the VA rates page. Rates are adjusted each December; see the 2026 pay rates chart. A dry eye rating is combined with your other ratings under VA’s combined ratings table, so it does not simply add to your total.
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Connect with a VA-Accredited Attorney →Frequently Asked Questions
No. Dry eye is not named in 38 CFR 4.79. VA may rate an unlisted condition by analogy to a closely related one under 38 CFR 4.20, so the code used depends on your diagnosis and findings.
There is no fixed rating for dry eye. Eye conditions evaluated under the General Rating Formula in 38 CFR 4.79 can be rated 10%, 20%, 40% or 60% based on documented treatment visits in the past 12 months, or on visual impairment, whichever is higher. Related codes include DC 6018 (minimum 10% when active) and DC 6025 (10% unilateral, 20% bilateral).
Under 38 CFR 4.79, it is an eye condition severe enough to require a clinic visit to a provider specifically for treatment purposes. Treatment examples include systemic immunosuppressants or biologics, injections, laser treatments and other surgery, but the list is not limited to those.
It can be claimed as secondary if a medical opinion links it to a service-connected condition or to medication used to treat one. Sjögren’s syndrome is one example of a condition associated with dry eye. VA decides based on the evidence.
Dry eye is not on the burn pit and toxic exposure presumptive list that VA.gov publishes. A claim would generally need direct or secondary service connection.
Under the rates effective December 1, 2025, 10% pays $180.42 per month and 20% pays $356.66 per month. Dependents do not change those two amounts.
VA often schedules a compensation and pension exam when it needs medical findings. Bring your treatment records and describe your symptoms accurately.