Lagophthalmos (Incomplete Eyelid Closure)

DC 6022Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6022

The inability to fully close one or both eyelids, leaving the eye exposed during blinking and sleep. This causes chronic dryness, irritation, corneal damage, and can lead to serious vision loss if untreated. The VA rates lagophthalmos based on residual visual impairment and the severity of corneal exposure damage.

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 6022

Rating range

10% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.79, DC 6022. 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 lagophthalmos has caused severe corneal damage with significant bilateral visual impairment despite surgical and medical treatment.

What the VA looks for

Severe corneal damage in one or both eyes
Visual acuity 20/200 or worse from corneal scarring
Multiple surgical procedures (tarsorrhaphy, corneal transplant)
Chronic pain and photophobia documented
Unable to work or perform most daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting lagophthalmos to its service-connected cause — common causes include facial nerve (CN VII) palsy from Bell palsy or TBI, surgical complications, burns, or trauma to the eyelid during service.
⚠Not documenting the degree of incomplete closure in millimeters — the C&P examiner should measure the lagophthalmos gap. A larger gap means more corneal exposure and supports a higher rating.
⚠Not reporting nighttime symptoms — many veterans with lagophthalmos wake up with severely dry, painful eyes because the lids do not close during sleep. This is a key functional impairment.
⚠Not claiming secondary corneal conditions caused by lagophthalmos — exposure keratopathy, recurrent corneal erosions, corneal ulcers, and corneal scarring are all complications that worsen the rating.

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Condition Rating Guides

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Lagophthalmos (Incomplete Eyelid Closure)

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 6022

Rating range

10% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your lagophthalmos has caused severe corneal damage with significant bilateral visual impairment despite surgical and medical treatment.

What the VA looks for

Severe corneal damage in one or both eyes
Visual acuity 20/200 or worse from corneal scarring
Multiple surgical procedures (tarsorrhaphy, corneal transplant)
Chronic pain and photophobia documented
Unable to work or perform most daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting lagophthalmos to its service-connected cause — common causes include facial nerve (CN VII) palsy from Bell palsy or TBI, surgical complications, burns, or trauma to the eyelid during service.

⚠Not documenting the degree of incomplete closure in millimeters — the C&P examiner should measure the lagophthalmos gap. A larger gap means more corneal exposure and supports a higher rating.

⚠Not reporting nighttime symptoms — many veterans with lagophthalmos wake up with severely dry, painful eyes because the lids do not close during sleep. This is a key functional impairment.

⚠Not claiming secondary corneal conditions caused by lagophthalmos — exposure keratopathy, recurrent corneal erosions, corneal ulcers, and corneal scarring are all complications that worsen the rating.