Body system: EyeRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.79
Status post corneal transplant covers veterans who have had a cornea replaced (penetrating keratoplasty or similar procedure) and have ongoing residual symptoms. The VA rates this condition under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye (38 CFR § 4.79). The minimum is 10% if there is residual pain, photophobia (light sensitivity), and glare sensitivity. 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 status post corneal transplant 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 status post corneal transplant 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 status post corneal transplant 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 your corneal transplant has left you with pain, photophobia (light sensitivity), and glare sensitivity. 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.