Clouding of the eye's natural lens that may blur vision.
Medical records are central to a cataract rating. For the incapacitating-episode path, clinic notes that document each treatment visit — and confirm the visit was for treatment rather than routine monitoring — directly support higher ratings. Records showing intravitreal or periocular injections, laser procedures, surgical interventions, or systemic immunosuppressant use help establish that visits qualify under the formula. A running count of those visits within a 12-month period is what separates one rating level from the next.
For the visual-impairment path, eye examination records showing measured visual acuity, visual field results, and any other findings that affect sight are the key evidence. If you had cataract surgery, operative reports and postoperative records clarify whether a replacement lens was placed, which determines whether your rating follows the General Formula or the aphakia rules. Statements from you or people who know you about how your vision affects work, reading, driving, or other daily tasks can help show the functional impact behind the clinical findings.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
