§ 4.79 Schedule of ratings—eye.

Corneal transplant

Surgical replacement of a damaged cornea with donor tissue.

What the rating means

Status post corneal transplant is rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye. VA evaluates this condition in one of two ways — by the degree of visual impairment the transplant has caused, or by how often incapacitating episodes have required treatment visits in the past 12 months. VA uses whichever approach produces the higher rating.

Under the incapacitating-episodes path, the ratings are 10% for at least 1 but fewer than 3 treatment visits, 20% for at least 3 but fewer than 5 visits, 40% for at least 5 but fewer than 7 visits, and 60% for 7 or more visits. An incapacitating episode is one severe enough to require a clinic visit specifically for treatment — not just a routine check. Examples of qualifying treatment include systemic immunosuppressants or biologic agents, intravitreal or periocular injections, laser treatments, or other surgical interventions.

Even if the incapacitating-episodes path does not apply, a minimum rating of 10% is available if you have pain, photophobia, and glare sensitivity. Visual impairment is rated separately under the formulas found in 38 CFR 4.75–4.78 and diagnostic codes 6061–6091.

Evidence that helps

Because VA can rate this condition two ways, useful evidence falls into two categories.

For the incapacitating-episodes path, medical records that document each clinic visit made specifically to treat your eye — not general follow-ups — are central. Records should show the date, the purpose of the visit, and what treatment was provided. Notes reflecting systemic immunosuppressants, biologic agents, intravitreal or periocular injections, laser procedures, or surgical interventions are the clearest examples the regulation names. A count of qualifying visits within any 12-month period determines which percentage applies.

For the visual-impairment path, eye examination records showing measured visual acuity, visual field results, and any other findings tied to the transplanted eye are relevant. These results feed into the separate visual-impairment formulas referenced in the regulation.

For the 10% minimum, records or examination findings noting pain, photophobia, and glare sensitivity together would support that floor. Your own statements describing how these symptoms affect your daily activities and work can help a provider document the full picture.

Secondary conditions

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.

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What the rating means

Evidence that helps

Secondary conditions

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