Chronic Blepharitis

DC 6018Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6018

Chronic inflammation of the eyelids causing redness, swelling, itching, and crusty debris on eyelashes. Common in desert environments due to dust and sand exposure. Rated based on disfigurement and visual impairment.

Rating Levels

Your blepharitis has caused secondary complications such as corneal involvement or meibomian gland dysfunction, and you require ongoing medical management.

What the VA looks for

Blepharitis with secondary corneal involvement documented
Meibomian gland dysfunction on examination
Ongoing medical management required
Slit-lamp examination showing complications
Treatment records for secondary conditions

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting exposure to desert sand and dust during service — this is a common cause of chronic blepharitis in veterans.
⚠The VA may rate at 0% if the condition is controlled with hygiene alone — document ongoing symptoms despite treatment.
⚠Not claiming secondary dry eye syndrome that develops from chronic blepharitis.
⚠Not photographing eyelid appearance during flare-ups to document the severity of the condition.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Eye Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…