Severe nutritional deficiency causing weight loss, weakness, and vision loss (optic nerve degeneration)
Medical records that document a confirmed diagnosis of avitaminosis or nutritional deficiency are the starting point for the 10% level. Records showing nonspecific symptoms — such as documented weight loss, appetite changes, weakness, difficulty concentrating, or irritability — support that level as well.
For the 20% level, clinical notes or examination findings that record stomatitis (mouth inflammation), achlorhydria (absence of stomach acid), or diarrhea are relevant. Moving to the 40% level requires evidence of all three: stomatitis, diarrhea, and symmetrical dermatitis documented together.
At the 60% level, records showing mental symptoms and signs of impaired bodily vigor — in addition to the symptoms above — are needed. For the 100% level, evidence of marked mental changes, moist dermatitis, inability to retain adequate nourishment, exhaustion, and cachexia (severe muscle and weight loss) would be central. Statements from you or those who know you describing how symptoms affect eating, daily functioning, and mental state can also help show the severity of your condition.
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.
