Blurry vision, eye strain, and trouble driving at night are more than everyday inconveniences especially when they started after military service. For veterans, these symptoms may point to astigmatism connected to service-related injury or illness.
While regular astigmatism is usually not compensable, irregular astigmatism caused by trauma, chemical exposure, surgery, or disease may qualify for VA disability compensation sometimes reaching $1,000+ per month tax-free, depending on severity.
“The VA doesn’t compensate refractive errors alone but when astigmatism stems from injury or disease, it becomes a very different case,” explains a VA-accredited disability attorney.
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Overview: VA Disability and Astigmatism at a Glance
| Category | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Is astigmatism directly rated? | No |
| When compensation is possible | Irregular astigmatism linked to service |
| VA regulation used | 38 CFR § 4.79 (Eye Conditions) |
| What VA evaluates | Visual acuity & visual field loss |
| Possible VA ratings | 0% to 100% |
| Key evidence needed | Diagnosis, service event, nexus |
| Exams required | C&P exam by eye specialist |
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is an eye condition caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, preventing light from focusing evenly on the retina.
Common Astigmatism Symptoms
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Eye strain and headaches
- Double vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Trouble focusing for long periods
Many people have mild astigmatism that is easily corrected. For veterans, however, astigmatism may be acquired or worsened due to service-related trauma or exposure.
“Acquired astigmatism is often overlooked in VA claims, despite clear medical links to injury,” notes a veterans eye-care specialist.
Regular vs. Irregular Astigmatism (Critical VA Distinction)
Understanding this difference is essential to your VA claim.
Regular Astigmatism
- Smooth, evenly curved cornea
- Usually congenital or age-related
- Correctable with glasses or contacts
- Not typically compensable by the VA
Irregular Astigmatism
- Uneven or misshapen cornea
- Often caused by:
- Eye trauma or blast exposure
- Corneal scarring
- Eye surgery
- Chemical exposure
- Keratoconus
This type may qualify for VA disability if linked to service.
“Irregular astigmatism caused by injury is not a refractive error it’s an eye disability,” explains a VA medical examiner.
How the VA Rates Astigmatism?
There is no standalone VA rating for astigmatism. Instead, the VA evaluates the functional impact on vision under 38 CFR § 4.79 – Schedule of Ratings for the Eye.
What the VA Actually Rates?
- Central visual acuity (how clearly you see with correction)
- Visual field loss
- Residuals of eye injury or disease
Diagnostic Codes Commonly Used
Diagnostic Code 6061–6066
Used for impairment of central visual acuity, based on corrected vision.
Diagnostic Code 6009
Used for unhealed eye injury, including corneal scarring causing astigmatism.
Diagnostic Code 6035
Used for keratoconus, a condition often associated with irregular astigmatism.
“The correct diagnostic code often determines whether a claim is approved or denied,” says a VA claims analyst.
VA Visual Acuity Ratings (Simplified)
The VA bases ratings on corrected vision, not uncorrected eyesight.
| Vision (Both Eyes) | VA Rating |
|---|---|
| 5/200 or worse | 100% |
| 20/100 | 50% |
| 20/70 | 30% |
| 20/50 | 10% |
| 20/40 | 0% |
If your vision improves significantly with glasses, your rating may be lower or noncompensable.
Proving Service Connection for Astigmatism
To receive VA compensation, you must establish service connection.
Three Required Elements
1. Current Diagnosis
A diagnosis of irregular astigmatism or an associated eye condition from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
2. In-Service Event or Exposure
Examples include:
- Facial or eye trauma
- Blast exposure
- Chemical exposure (e.g., sulfur mustard)
- Eye surgery during service
3. Medical Nexus
A medical opinion linking your current condition to military service.
“A strong nexus letter often makes or breaks eye-related VA claims,” emphasizes a VA disability consultant.
VA Disability Compensation for Vision Loss
If your astigmatism qualifies under VA rating criteria, compensation depends on the percentage assigned.
| VA Rating | Monthly Compensation (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $175+ |
| 30% | $537+ |
| 50% | $1,102+ |
| 100% | $3,200+ |
(Amounts vary based on dependents and COLA adjustments.)
Real-Life Example: Winning a VA Claim for Astigmatism
Case Summary
A former Army medic sustained a facial injury during a vehicle rollover. Years later, he developed worsening vision and eye strain.
VA Outcome
- Diagnosed with irregular astigmatism due to corneal scarring
- Initial VA denial
- Approved on appeal with a detailed nexus letter
Final Rating: 30% under DC 6009 (Unhealed Eye Injury)
“Eye injuries often take years to fully reveal their impact,” says a veterans law expert.
How to File a VA Claim for Astigmatism?
Filing Options
- Online: VA.gov
- By Mail:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444 - In Person: Local VA Regional Office
You’ll need VA Form 21-526EZ to start.
C&P Exam for Astigmatism Claims
Most veterans filing for astigmatism will attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam.
What the Exam Evaluates?
- Corrected and uncorrected visual acuity
- Type of astigmatism (regular vs. irregular)
- Corneal or lens damage
- Link to service-related injury or disease
Important Rule
Only an optometrist or ophthalmologist can perform a valid eye C&P exam.
“If the exam is incomplete or done by the wrong provider, the claim can be challenged,” warns a VA appeals advocate.
Why Astigmatism Claims Are Often Denied?
Common reasons include:
- VA labeling the condition as a non-ratable refractive error
- Lack of nexus evidence
- Vision corrected to 20/40 or better
- Incomplete C&P exams
Understanding the rating system helps you avoid these pitfalls.
Final Thought
Astigmatism may not be directly rated by the VA but for many veterans, irregular astigmatism caused by service-related injury or disease qualifies for meaningful disability compensation.
The key is knowing how the VA evaluates vision, using the correct diagnostic codes, and submitting strong medical evidence that connects your condition to service.
If your vision worsened after military service and affects your daily life or ability to work, you may be entitled to benefits you’ve earned.
FAQs
Can I get VA disability for astigmatism?
Yes, if your astigmatism is irregular and caused or aggravated by a service-connected event or condition.
Does the VA rate astigmatism directly?
No. The VA rates vision loss or eye injuries, not astigmatism alone.
Will glasses affect my VA rating?
Yes. The VA rates corrected vision, so improvement with glasses may lower your rating.
What conditions can cause secondary astigmatism?
Eye trauma, chemical exposure, corneal scarring, keratoconus, surgery, or TBI-related eye damage.
