Is Macular Degeneration a VA Disability?

July 09, 2024 · 5 min read

Macular Degeneration is a common cause of vision loss among Americans, affecting approximately 11 million people in the United States. For veterans, this condition can be particularly challenging, impacting their daily lives and ability to perform routine tasks. This blog post provides an overview of Macular Degeneration, its impact, and how it is recognized as a VA disability, including the steps veterans can take to secure the benefits they need.

Reach out to James R. Comerford online or call today at 312-863-8572 to discuss your options.

Establishing a Service Connection

Veterans suffering from Macular Degeneration may be eligible for VA disability benefits if they can prove a direct or secondary service connection. Here’s how the process works:

To qualify for VA benefits for Macular Degeneration, a veteran needs to demonstrate that their condition is either directly related to their military service or secondary to another service-connected condition. This involves:

Providing medical evidence linking the onset of Macular Degeneration to their time in service.
Showing that the condition was aggravated by military service or is secondary to another service-connected disability, such as diabetes or hypertension.

VA Ratings for Macular Degeneration

The exact percentage varies wildly based on severity and the ability of the claimant to prove both damages and a service connection. However, here are some principles that guide how the VA establishes a percentage:

Visual Acuity

The primary factor in rating macular degeneration is visual acuity, which measures the sharpness of vision. The VA considers the corrected visual acuity in each eye, meaning vision with glasses or contact lenses. Ratings depend on how much vision loss the veteran experiences:

If corrected visual acuity is 20/40 or better in both eyes, the rating is noncompensable (0%).
A 10% rating applies when corrected visual acuity is 20/50 in one eye and 20/40 or worse in the other eye.

These thresholds are critical because they define whether the vision impairment is severe enough to warrant compensation.

Incapacitating Episodes

Incapacitating episodes refer to periods when symptoms are severe enough to prevent normal activity. The VA defines an incapacitating episode as one requiring prescribed bed rest and treatment by a physician or healthcare provider. The duration of these episodes over the past 12 months influences the rating:

A total duration of 1 week to less than 2 weeks earns a 10% rating.
Episodes lasting 2 weeks to less than 4 weeks result in a 20% rating.
Those lasting 4 weeks to less than 6 weeks lead to a 40% rating.
Six or more weeks qualify for a 60% rating.

These increments show the VA’s approach to compensating for the severity and frequency of symptom flare-ups.

Field of Vision Deficits

Loss of peripheral vision can contribute to disability ratings under specific diagnostic codes, distinct from those focused on central visual acuity. Veterans with restricted fields of vision may receive higher ratings, especially if the vision loss impairs mobility or daily functioning.

Ocular Muscle Function

Another consideration is the function of the ocular muscles, which control eye movement. Impairment here—such as difficulty moving the eyes smoothly or coordination problems—can affect the rating.

Visual Distortion and Other Symptoms

The presence of metamorphopsia (visual distortion) or other symptoms related to macular degeneration is noted but does not independently determine the rating. Instead, these symptoms are considered alongside visual acuity and incapacitating episodes to assess overall impairment.

Combined Effects of Multiple Eye Conditions

When veterans have both service-connected and non-service-connected eye conditions, the VA considers the combined impact on vision. Compensation may be payable if vision in each eye is 20/200 or worse or if peripheral vision is 20 degrees or less. If these severe thresholds are not met, the VA rates the service-connected condition on its own merits.

Navigating the VA Claims Process

Filing a claim for VA disability benefits can be a complex process. Here are the steps involved:

Initial Claim Submission: File your claim with the VA, providing all necessary medical records and evidence of service connection.
VA Evaluation: The VA will review your claim and may require additional examinations to assess the severity of your condition.
Decision Notification: The VA will send you a decision letter outlining the approval or denial of your claim and the assigned disability rating.

Appeals Process

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process has three options:

Higher-Level Review: A senior reviewer will re-examine your claim without new evidence.
Supplemental Claim: Submit new and relevant evidence to supplement your claim.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals: Choose a direct review, submit additional evidence, or request a hearing with a Veterans Law Judge.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular Degeneration affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. As the macula deteriorates, individuals experience vision problems, particularly with their central vision, making activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces difficult. The peripheral vision usually remains unaffected.

Types of Macular Degeneration

Dry Macular Degeneration: This form accounts for 85% to 90% of all cases. It involves the accumulation of small yellow deposits called drusen in the macula, leading to gradual vision loss.
Wet Macular Degeneration: Less common but often more severe; this form occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath the macula, leaking fluid and blood into the retina, causing rapid vision loss.

Why Choose Comerford Law Office, LLC?

At Comerford Law Office, LLC, we understand the challenges that come with navigating the VA benefits system. Our dedicated team, led by Attorney James Comerford, has over two decades of experience fighting for veterans’ rights. We offer personalized assistance to help you through every step of the appeal process.

If you or a loved one is struggling with this condition, it’s essential to seek the benefits you deserve. At Comerford Law Office, LLC, we are committed to providing the support and guidance you need to successfully navigate the VA benefits system.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today. Your path to obtaining the benefits you deserve starts here.

Reach out to James R. Comerford online or call today at 312-863-8572 to discuss your options.

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May 05, 2026 in Blog

How Long Does It Typically Take to Receive Disability Back Pay?

Waiting for your disability benefits can leave you in a tough spot financially, and a good veterans lawyer knows just how much VA back pay matters for stability. Talk to us today at the Comerford Law Office so we can help you get things moving. more VA Back Pay Timeline The effective date for beginning payments is the day the VA receives your claim. If you file within one year of leaving active duty, though, the date can actually reach back to the day after your separation. Once the VA has your claim, reviewers will look at it and decide whether your conditions are connected to your service and what rating you receive. The average time to complete a disability claim is just over 72 days. If the VA grants you at least a 10% disability rating, your first payment, which will include your lump-sum back pay, should arrive within 15 days. The back pay should cover everything that's owed from your effective date up to when you start getting your regular monthly checks. Factors That Can Speed Up or Slow Down Your Payment Preparation A fully developed claim, where you've sent all the evidence upfront and checked with a lawyer to be sure you have clear and convincing proof of your disability, service connection, and everything else relevant to your claim, almost always moves faster than one that needs extra exams or records. Claim Type Simple cases with clear service connections and solid medical proof can often be wrapped up in under 60 days. On the other hand, claims for several conditions or one's that come with requests for higher ratings take more time because the VA must review everything carefully. If you're asking for an increase in an existing rating, that's usually processed faster than a brand-new claim. Supplemental claims with new evidence fall somewhere in the middle. Amount If you're owed a particularly large back-pay amount, that sometimes triggers an extra review for accuracy. The VA wants to make sure the math lines up with your rating and effective date. In most cases, though, you still see the money within a month of the decision letter. Timeline for Appeals If you disagree with the first decision and file a Higher-Level Review, the VA tries to finish within four to five months, but a Board appeal can run longer, depending on the docket. However, if the appeal grants you benefits, then your back pay lump sum will go back all the way to the original effective date, so the wait is usually worth it. Working with a Veterans Lawyer to Manage Your Claim Timeline You do not have to handle the paperwork and deadlines alone, and having experienced help right from the beginning can prevent you from making the kinds of mistakes that will cause unnecessary delays. Your lawyer will make sure every condition gets proper attention, your filing has all the needed evidence, and then file for you (and any appeals you might need) on time and in the right way. When you're prepared properly from the beginning, you're more likely to get a positive response the first time and spend fewer months waiting for corrections or appeals. Wherever you are in the process, reach out to us at the Comerford Law Office in Chicago, IL, Jonesborough, TN or Highland, IN today so we can review your file and map out the next steps.

Apr 07, 2026 in Blog

What Happens After the VA Denies Your Disability Claim?

When your VA claim is denied and that letter arrives, it can be devestated. A lawyer with experience helping veterans here in Chicago, IL can help you access all your rights and get through the processes required to challenge this decision. more What Happens After Your VA Claim Is Denied Your decision letter from the VA should explain the exact reasons for the denial, list the evidence they considered, cite the laws and regulations applied, and note any gaps they believe exist in your case or the evidence. Your lawyer will take time to read every section and all enclosed forms and instructions and then help you understand what to do next.Bear in mind that to protect your potential effective date for benefits, you generally need to act within one year from the date that's stamped on the letter, and missing that window could require you to start over with a new claim. If you're feeling overwhelmed or don't know what to do, talking to a lawyer as soon as possible is always a smart choice.Under the current system, you can typically choose from three main review options. Supplemental Claim With a Supplemental Claim, you submit new and relevant evidence that the VA has not seen before. This could be a new medical opinion, updated treatment records, or a buddy statement describing events you experienced during your service.The VA can even help you gather records you identify, such as from private doctors or federal facilities, as long as you provide the necessary authorizations. Higher-Level Review If you believe the original decision contained an error, and you have no new evidence, you can request a Higher-Level Review. A more senior reviewer will then look at your file with fresh eyes to check for mistakes in how the law was applied or how the evidence was weighed.You cannot add any new documents if you choose this route, though, but you can ask for an optional informal conference. That will usually be a phone call where you or your representative can point out the specific factual or legal errors you believe have been made. Board of Appeals Review The third option sends your case to the Board of Veterans' Appeals for review by a Veterans Law Judge. You pick one of three lanes when you file: Direct Review (where the judge looks only at existing evidence Evidence Submission (where you add new material to be reviewed) Hearing (where you speak directly with a judge virtually, at a regional office, or in Washington, D.C. and can also submit new evidence) If You're Still Denied If the review still results in a denial, you have options, and your lawyer can help you explore all of them. You can, for example, file another Supplemental Claim if you have some fresh evidence, or you can request a different review lane. You can also appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Talk to a Chicago, IL Attorney With Experience Many veterans have successfully overturned denials, and we can help. Contact the Comerford Law Office in Chicago, IL at 312-863-8572 today for help and advice.

Feb 03, 2026 in Blog

What's the VA Rating for Sleep Apnea Secondary to PTSD?

Many veterans struggle with sleep issues. Sleep apnea issues are, in fact, more than twice as common among veterans as in general society. The VA recognizes this, and ratings can be as high as 100% for this condition, but that doesn't mean it's easy to get the benefits you're entitled to. Talk with a Chicago, IL PTSD disability lawyer for help in connecting your sleep apnea to your service. more VA Rating for Sleep Apnea Secondary to PTSD Any VA rating is based on the severity of the condition itself, in this case sleep apnea, not directly on the secondary connection to PTSD. However, establishing secondary service connection allows the condition to be considered service-connected and thus compensable. As of February 2026, the current VA rating criteria for sleep apnea remain: 100% (only for chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or which requires a tracheostomy) 50% (for those who need a breathing assistance device) 30% (for persistent daytime hypersomnolence) The most common ratings for veterans are either 30% or 50%, and many veterans receive the 50% rating when there's documented CPAP use. PTSD Connection PTSD can contribute to sleep apnea by the way it disrupts sleep patterns, causes hyperarousal, or from weight gain resulting from PTSD medications. The key here will be proving that a service connection has been granted as secondary. Your lawyer will take your medical evidence showing that it is at least as likely as not that the sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by PTSD and then use this to make your claim clear and solidly backed. It's important to understand that any rating you have for PTSD is separate from your rating for sleep apnea, so you will have a combined rating once you bring them both together. Things to Know The VA has been working on a proposal since 2022 to modernize the ratings for sleep apnea and other respiratory conditions. These have not yet been finalized as of 2026, but if they should be, then the use of a CPAP machine alone would no longer be enough to automatically grant a rating of 50%, particularly if symptoms are well controlled. For now, having to use a CPAP machine automatically gets you a 50% rating, so long as you can prove that secondary connection. It's also important to bear in mind that you'll need lots of medical evidence, and it will need to be properly organized and submitted to the VA. This can be a difficult and frustrating process, which is why so many veterans get legal help to make sure their rights are defended. Even when all your evidence is in order and your filing is done correctly, there's still a strong possibility of initial denial. Then you have to make it an appeal, and the process is neither intuitive nor simple. Get Help From a PTSD Disability Lawyer in Chicago, IL At the Comerford Law Office, we understand how overwhelming it can be for veterans to deal with the VA. Contact our Chicago, IL office today at 312-863-8572 to discuss your needs, and let us go to bat for you and your rights. We also serve veterans in Jonesborough, TN and Highland, IN.