Astigmatism VA Rating and Service Connection Explained

If you’re experiencing vision issues connected to your military service, you may be wondering how the VA rates eye conditions, like astigmatism. The VA rating for astigmatism can be confusing because the Department of Veterans Affairs usually considers astigmatism a refractive error, which is not typically rated as a disability. 

However, compensation may still be possible when astigmatism is caused or worsened by a service-connected eye condition, injury, or surgery. In those cases, the VA evaluates the resulting vision impairment under the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. 

Understanding when astigmatism can qualify for compensation and what medical evidence supports a claim can help you make more informed decisions about your VA benefits. 

Key Takeaways

• The VA typically does not assign a disability rating for astigmatism alone because it is considered a refractive error. 

• A VA rating for astigmatism may be possible when the condition results from service-connected eye trauma, disease, or surgery. 

• The VA evaluates vision conditions based on visual acuity loss, visual field loss, and other eye impairments under the VA rating schedule. 

• Strong medical evidence — such as eye exams, nexus letters, and DBQs — can help support an astigmatism VA disability rating claim. 

What is Astigmatism?

According to the National Eye Institute, astigmatism is a common eye condition that occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape. Instead of being round like a basketball, the surface of the eye is shaped more like a football. 

This irregular curvature causes light to focus unevenly on the retina, which can lead to: 

• Blurred or distorted vision 

• Eye strain 

• Headaches 

• Difficulty seeing clearly at night 

• Squinting to focus 

Astigmatism often occurs alongside other refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). 

Astigmatism VA Rating

The VA rating for astigmatism depends on the cause of the condition and how much it affects your vision. 

• Astigmatism alone usually does not receive a VA disability rating because it is classified as a refractive error. 

• However, the VA may grant compensation if astigmatism is caused or worsened by a service-connected eye disease, injury, or surgery. 

• In these cases, the VA rates the resulting vision impairment under the eye conditions section of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. 

Because of this rule, most astigmatism VA disability rating claims depend on proving that the condition is linked to another service-connected eye condition.  

Why the VA Usually Does Not Assign an Astigmatism VA Rating

The VA generally does not award disability compensation for refractive errors of the eye. 

Under 38 CFR §4.9, refractive errors are considered congenital or developmental conditions, not disabilities caused by military service. 

This category includes: 

• Astigmatism 

• Myopia (nearsightedness) 

• Hyperopia (farsightedness) 

• Presbyopia (focus issues related to aging) 

Because these conditions are often correctable with glasses or contact lenses, the VA usually considers them non-compensable. 

However, if another service-connected condition caused or worsened your astigmatism, compensation may still be possible. 

When a VA Rating for Astigmatism May Be Possible

The VA may grant an astigmatism VA disability rating when the condition is linked to a service-connected disease, injury, or medical procedure. 

Examples include: 

• Eye trauma during military service 

• Corneal scarring 

• Keratoconus 

• Post-surgical complications from eye procedures 

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affecting vision 

In these cases, the VA evaluates the underlying eye condition and the resulting visual impairment. 

For example, a veteran with keratoconus may develop severe irregular astigmatism that significantly reduces vision. The VA may assign a disability rating based on the loss of visual acuity or visual field, not the astigmatism alone. 

Eye Conditions That May Lead to an Astigmatism VA Disability Rating

If one of these conditions is connected to military service, the resulting vision problems may qualify for compensation. 

How the VA Actually Rates Vision Loss

The VA evaluates eye conditions under 38 CFR §4.79, which covers diseases of the eye and visual impairment. 

Instead of rating astigmatism directly, the VA looks at how the condition affects your ability to see. 

The VA may evaluate: 

• Visual acuity (clarity of vision) 

• Visual field loss (peripheral vision) 

• Muscle dysfunction 

• Eye diseases or injuries 

General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye Rating Chart

Evaluate on the basis of either visual impairment due to the particular condition or on incapacitating episodes, whichever results in a higher evaluation. 

Regular Astigmatism Bilateral VA Rating

When it comes to a regular astigmatism bilateral VA rating, meaning astigmatism affecting both eyes, the VA generally treats it the same as unilateral astigmatism: 

• It is usually classified as a refractive error 

• It does not receive a standalone disability rating 

That said, bilateral vision problems may still affect your claim if: 

• The condition was caused by eye trauma or disease during service 

• Vision loss persists even with corrective lenses 

• Another service-connected eye condition is present 

In those cases, the VA evaluates the overall vision impairment in both eyes, which may result in a higher rating. 

How to Prove Astigmatism Is Service Connected

To receive disability compensation, the VA generally requires three elements to prove direct, or primary, service connection. 

1. A current medical diagnosis, and 

2. An in-service event, injury, illness, or aggravation, and 

3. A medical nexus (i.e., link) between the two, such as a nexus letter. 

Can Astigmatism Be Secondary to Another VA Disability?

Yes. In most cases, astigmatism can only qualify for VA disability compensation when it develops because of another service-connected eye condition, injury, or disease. 

This is known as secondary service connection, which occurs when one service-connected condition causes or worsens another medical condition. 

Examples that may lead to secondary astigmatism include: 

• Corneal scarring from eye trauma 

• Keratoconus 

• Complications from eye surgery 

• Traumatic brain injury affecting vision 

When this happens, the VA typically rates the underlying eye condition and the resulting vision impairment, rather than the astigmatism itself. 

Pro Tip: A nexus letter can be a powerful addition to your claim – especially when it comes to proving secondary service connection.

How to File a VA Claim for Vision Problems

If you believe your astigmatism is connected to service, either directly or secondarily, you may be able to file a disability claim. 

Step 1: Gather Medical Evidence 

Collect documentation showing: 

• Your diagnosis 

• Service records related to the condition 

• Medical evidence connecting the condition to service 

Step 2: Submit Your Claim 

You can file a claim through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs using the VA’s online claims portal. You can also download the form and submit it through mail, fax, or in person at a regional VA office.  

Step 3: Attend a C&P Exam 

The VA may schedule a compensation and pension (C&P) exam to evaluate your vision condition. 

During this exam, the examiner may test: 

• Visual acuity 

• Visual field loss 

• Eye structure and function 

Medical Evidence That Can Support an Astigmatism VA Disability Rating

Because the VA often classifies astigmatism as a refractive error, medical evidence is critical when pursuing compensation. 

Helpful documentation may include: 

• Comprehensive eye examinations 

• Visual acuity and visual field testing 

• Corneal imaging or topography 

• Surgical records 

• Medical opinions linking the condition to service 

One of the most important pieces of evidence is a nexus letter, which explains how a medical condition is related to military service. 

A disability benefits questionnaire (DBQ) may also help document the severity of your vision condition. 

Medical Evidence Wins VA Claims

Did you know that a lack of medical evidence is the #1 reason VA disability claims are denied?  

Medical evidence is a crucial piece of the puzzle that VA raters consider when reviewing a disability claim. Telemedica provides solutions for veterans looking to bolster their claims through high-quality medical evidence (such as DBQs and nexus letters) that win claims!   

Schedule your 20-minute consultation call and learn how to get the supporting medical evidence you need to strengthen your claim. 

Conclusion

Astigmatism VA ratings can be confusing because the VA usually classifies astigmatism as a refractive error rather than a compensable disability. 

However, veterans may still qualify for compensation when the condition results from service-connected trauma, disease, or surgery. 

In those situations, the VA rating for astigmatism is typically based on the resulting vision impairment or underlying eye condition, not the refractive error itself. 

If your vision problems began during military service or worsened because of another service-connected condition, obtaining strong medical documentation — including nexus letters and DBQs — can significantly strengthen your claim. 

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a VA disability rating for astigmatism?

In most cases, astigmatism alone does not receive a disability rating because the VA considers it a refractive error. However, compensation may be possible if the condition is caused by a service-connected eye injury, disease, or surgical complication. 

What is the VA rating for astigmatism?

There is no specific rating assigned solely for astigmatism. Instead, the VA rates the resulting vision impairment, such as reduced visual acuity or visual field loss, under the VA eye rating schedule. 

Does bilateral astigmatism qualify for VA disability?

Bilateral astigmatism does not automatically qualify for disability compensation. The VA will only assign a rating if the condition is connected to a service-related eye condition or causes measurable vision impairment. 

Can astigmatism be service connected?

Yes, astigmatism can be service connected when it results from eye trauma, disease, or surgery that occurred during military service. In these situations, the VA may grant compensation based on the level of vision loss caused by the underlying condition. 

Astigmatism is more often rated as a secondary service connection, meaning the condition was caused or aggravated by another service-connected condition. 

What evidence helps with an astigmatism VA disability rating claim?

Helpful evidence may include eye exams showing vision loss, corneal imaging and visual field tests, records of eye injuries during service, surgical or treatment records, or a medical nexus letter linking the condition to service.