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Evidence checklist

Dry Eye Syndrome

DC 602538 CFR § 4.79Organs of Sense

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 2 collected
Ophthalmology evaluation documenting dry eye diagnosis and severityCritical

Records from an ophthalmologist documenting Schirmer test results, TBUT, corneal staining (fluorescein/rose bengal), and dry eye severity grade.

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking dry eye to service (desert/wind exposure, medications, blast injury)Critical

Medical opinion connecting dry eye syndrome to military service, including environmental exposures (dust, wind, low humidity in deployment), blast injury, or medications used in service.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treatment records

0 of 1 collected
Treatment records (artificial tears, cyclosporine drops, punctal plugs)

Records documenting the treatment regimen needed to manage dry eye symptoms and any treatment failures.

VA or private records · written request
03

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
04

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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