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6091
§ 4.79 Schedule of ratings—eye.

Eyelid fused to eyeball (symblepharon)

Abnormal adhesion between the eyelid and the eyeball, restricting eye movement.

What the rating means

Symblepharon is a condition in which the eyelid becomes fused to the eyeball. VA does not rate it under a single fixed formula. Instead, VA looks at all of the findings present and rates each one under whichever diagnostic code fits those findings — for example, lagophthalmos if the eyelid cannot close properly, or disfigurement of the face if scarring is visible. Each applicable condition is rated separately, and the resulting percentages are then combined under VA's combined ratings rules rather than simply added together.

For any finding rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye, VA chooses whichever approach produces the higher rating: visual impairment caused by the condition, or incapacitating episodes. For incapacitating episodes, the possible ratings are 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60%, based on how many treatment visits you had for the eye condition in the past 12 months — at least 1, at least 3, at least 5, or 7 or more visits, respectively. A qualifying visit must be with a provider specifically for treatment, not just for a checkup.

Evidence that helps

Because symblepharon is rated based on its specific findings, the evidence that helps most is whatever documents those findings clearly. If the fusion affects how your eyelid closes, records showing lid movement and corneal exposure support a lagophthalmos rating. If visible scarring or disfigurement is present, photographs and clinical descriptions of the affected area support a disfigurement rating. For any visual impairment, eye exam records showing measured visual acuity or visual field loss are relevant.

For incapacitating episodes under the General Rating Formula, treatment records are central. These should show the date of each clinic visit and confirm that the visit was for active treatment — such as systemic immunosuppressants, biologic agents, intravitreal or periocular injections, laser treatments, or surgical procedures — not routine monitoring. A count of qualifying visits within a 12-month period determines which percentage applies. Statements from you or people who know you describing how episodes affected your ability to work or carry out daily activities can help establish the severity and frequency of those episodes.

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.