Body system: EyeRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.79
Symblepharon is the formation of adhesions (scar bands) between the eyelid and the eyeball, typically caused by burns, chronic inflammation, infections, or surgical complications. DC 6091 does not assign a single rating. Instead, the VA evaluates each applicable component separately and combines them under 38 CFR § 4.25. The components include: visual impairment from corneal involvement, rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye on either visual impairment or the Incapacitating Episodes ladder (10%-60% by treatment-visit count); lagophthalmos under DC 6022 if the adhesions prevent the eyelid from closing properly; and disfigurement of the head, face, or neck under DC 7800 if the adhesions visibly distort the eyelids. Final rating is the combined value of whichever components apply.
Rating levels
- -1% — DC 6091 covers symblepharon (adhesions between the eyelid and the eyeball, typically caused by burns, chronic inflammation, or surgical complications). The VA does not assign a single rating under DC 6091. Instead, the VA evaluates each applicable component separately and combines them under 38 CFR § 4.25 (the combined ratings table). Components include: visual impairment from adhesion-related corneal involvement (rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye, either on visual impairment or the Incapacitating Episodes ladder below, whichever yields the higher value), lagophthalmos under DC 6022 if the adhesions prevent the eyelid from closing properly, and disfigurement of the head, face, or neck under DC 7800 if the adhesions visibly distort the eyelids. Whichever components are documented in your case are each rated and combined.
- 60% — You qualify for 60% if your symblepharon required 7 or more clinic visits specifically for treatment during the past 12 months (intravitreal or periocular injections, laser treatments, surgical adhesion release, systemic immunosuppressants or biologic agents, or other surgical interventions). 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. This rating is combined with any DC 6022 (lagophthalmos) and DC 7800 (disfigurement) ratings under 38 CFR § 4.25.
- 40% — You qualify for 40% if your symblepharon required at least 5 but fewer than 7 clinic visits specifically for treatment during the past 12 months. This rating applies under the Incapacitating Episodes path and is combined with any DC 6022 (lagophthalmos) and DC 7800 (disfigurement) ratings under 38 CFR § 4.25.
- 20% — You qualify for 20% if your symblepharon required at least 3 but fewer than 5 clinic visits specifically for treatment during the past 12 months. This rating applies under the Incapacitating Episodes path and is combined with any DC 6022 (lagophthalmos) and DC 7800 (disfigurement) ratings under 38 CFR § 4.25.
- 10% — You qualify for 10% if your symblepharon required at least 1 but fewer than 3 clinic visits specifically for treatment during the past 12 months. This rating applies under the Incapacitating Episodes path and is combined with any DC 6022 (lagophthalmos) and DC 7800 (disfigurement) ratings under 38 CFR § 4.25.