Is Macular Degeneration a VA Disability?

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:

1. Initial Claim Submission: File your claim with the VA, providing all necessary medical records and evidence of service connection.
2. VA Evaluation: The VA will review your claim and may require additional examinations to assess the severity of your condition.
3. 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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