Entropion (Inward Eyelid Turning)

DC 6021Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6021

A condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea and conjunctiva. This results in pain, tearing, redness, and potential corneal damage. The VA rates entropion based on whether it affects one or both eyes.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 6021

Rating range

10% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.79, DC 6021. 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

You have entropion in both eyes, causing bilateral eyelash rubbing against the corneas. Both eyes are affected by pain, tearing, and risk of corneal scarring.

What the VA looks for

Bilateral entropion documented on examination
Bilateral trichiasis with corneal contact
Bilateral corneal irritation or superficial keratopathy
History of surgical correction or need for repeated epilation in both eyes
Corneal scarring from chronic lash abrasion

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting entropion to its service-connected cause — entropion can result from facial burns, scarring from trauma, chronic eye infections (trachoma from overseas deployment), or prior eyelid surgery during service.
⚠Not documenting corneal damage from lash contact — corneal abrasions, scarring, and ulceration from chronic entropion significantly affect visual acuity and may warrant additional rating based on visual impairment.
⚠Not filing for the underlying cause as a separate condition — if entropion is caused by facial nerve paralysis or scarring, those conditions may be separately rated.

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…

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 6021

Rating range

10% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have entropion in both eyes, causing bilateral eyelash rubbing against the corneas. Both eyes are affected by pain, tearing, and risk of corneal scarring.

What the VA looks for

Bilateral entropion documented on examination
Bilateral trichiasis with corneal contact
Bilateral corneal irritation or superficial keratopathy
History of surgical correction or need for repeated epilation in both eyes
Corneal scarring from chronic lash abrasion

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting entropion to its service-connected cause — entropion can result from facial burns, scarring from trauma, chronic eye infections (trachoma from overseas deployment), or prior eyelid surgery during service.

⚠Not documenting corneal damage from lash contact — corneal abrasions, scarring, and ulceration from chronic entropion significantly affect visual acuity and may warrant additional rating based on visual impairment.

⚠Not filing for the underlying cause as a separate condition — if entropion is caused by facial nerve paralysis or scarring, those conditions may be separately rated.