Body system: EyeRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.79
Angle-closure glaucoma is a form of glaucoma where the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, causing rapid rises in intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve. The VA rates this condition under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye (38 CFR § 4.79). The minimum is 10% if continuous medication (typically daily eye drops) is required to control intraocular pressure. The Incapacitating Episodes path can push the rating higher: 20% for 3 to 4 treatment visits per year, 40% for 5 to 6 visits, 60% for 7 or more visits. Visual impairment under the acuity, field, and muscle-function codes can also yield a higher rating, in which case the higher value applies.
Rating levels
- 60% — You qualify for 60% if your angle-closure glaucoma required 7 or more clinic visits specifically for treatment (intravitreal or periocular injections, laser treatments, systemic immunosuppressants or biologic agents, or other surgical interventions) during the past 12 months. This is the highest tier on the Incapacitating Episodes path of the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye. Visual impairment may yield a higher rating in some cases (rated under the visual acuity, field, or muscle function codes), in which case the higher value applies.
- 40% — You qualify for 40% if your angle-closure glaucoma required at least 5 but fewer than 7 clinic visits specifically for treatment (intravitreal or periocular injections, laser treatments, systemic immunosuppressants or biologic agents, or other surgical interventions) during the past 12 months. This rating applies under the Incapacitating Episodes path of the General Eye Formula when it yields a higher evaluation than the visual impairment path.
- 20% — You qualify for 20% if your angle-closure glaucoma required at least 3 but fewer than 5 clinic visits specifically for treatment (intravitreal or periocular injections, laser treatments, systemic immunosuppressants or biologic agents, or other surgical interventions) during the past 12 months. This rating applies under the Incapacitating Episodes path of the General Eye Formula when it yields a higher evaluation than the visual impairment path.
- 10% — You qualify for at least 10% if you require continuous medication (typically daily eye drops) to control intraocular pressure from angle-closure glaucoma. This is a floor rating, the actual rating is whichever is higher: this 10% minimum, the Incapacitating Episodes ladder below (up to 60% by treatment-visit count), or the visual impairment path (visual acuity, visual field defects, or eye-muscle function). Whichever path yields the higher evaluation is what the VA assigns.