Dry Eye Syndrome

DC 6025Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6025

A condition where your eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, causing irritation and vision problems. The VA rates dry eye syndrome based on how it affects your vision and the severity of symptoms.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 6025

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.79, DC 6025. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your dry eye syndrome causes significant visual impairment or requires intensive ongoing treatment.

What the VA looks for

Significant visual impairment documented
Corneal erosion or ulceration
Multiple treatment modalities required
Impact on ability to read, drive, or work

Common Pitfalls

⚠Dry eye is often rated by analogy — make sure the C&P examiner considers both the direct symptoms and any visual impairment when assigning the rating.
⚠Not documenting all treatments you use, including prescription drops, over-the-counter tears, warm compresses, and any procedures like punctal plugs.
⚠Not connecting dry eye to military exposures such as wind, sand, dust, chemicals, or LASIK/PRK surgery performed during service.
⚠Not reporting how dry eye affects your daily functioning — difficulty reading, using computers, driving at night, or working in air-conditioned environments.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Eye Conditions

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Dry Eye Syndrome or rated under the same body system.

Tinnitus

DC 6260·Organs of Sense

Bilateral Hearing Loss

DC 6100·Organs of Sense

Meniere's Disease (Endolymphatic Hydrops)

DC 6205·Organs of Sense

Glaucoma

DC 6012·Organs of Sense

Cataracts

DC 6027·Organs of Sense

Peripheral Vestibular Disorder

DC 6204·Organs of Sense

Diabetic Retinopathy

DC 6006·Organs of Sense

Macular Degeneration

DC 6011·Organs of Sense

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6025

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your dry eye syndrome causes significant visual impairment or requires intensive ongoing treatment.

What the VA looks for

Significant visual impairment documented
Corneal erosion or ulceration
Multiple treatment modalities required
Impact on ability to read, drive, or work

Common Pitfalls

⚠Dry eye is often rated by analogy — make sure the C&P examiner considers both the direct symptoms and any visual impairment when assigning the rating.

⚠Not documenting all treatments you use, including prescription drops, over-the-counter tears, warm compresses, and any procedures like punctal plugs.

⚠Not connecting dry eye to military exposures such as wind, sand, dust, chemicals, or LASIK/PRK surgery performed during service.

⚠Not reporting how dry eye affects your daily functioning — difficulty reading, using computers, driving at night, or working in air-conditioned environments.