Separation of the retina from the back of the eye.
Because this condition can be rated two ways, helpful evidence falls into two categories. For the incapacitating-episode path, the most direct evidence is your medical records showing dated clinic visits where you received active treatment for your eye condition within the past 12 months. Records that clearly distinguish treatment visits from routine check-ups or monitoring carry the most weight. Notes documenting the specific treatment given — such as an injection, laser procedure, or surgical intervention — help confirm that each visit qualifies under the regulation's definition.
For the visual-impairment path, you would need records and exam findings that document your measured visual acuity and field of vision, since VA uses those figures under 38 CFR 4.75–4.78 and the related diagnostic codes. A VA or private eye exam that records corrected and best-corrected visual acuity in each eye, along with any visual field testing, supports this path.
Statements from you or people who know you about how your vision or treatment schedule affects your ability to work and manage daily tasks can help VA understand the full impact of your condition, regardless of which rating path applies.
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.
