Episcleritis / Scleritis is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6002 of 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6002 across 4 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 40% / 60%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.
Inflammation of the episclera (episcleritis, usually mild and self-limiting) or the sclera (scleritis, more severe and potentially sight-threatening). Scleritis causes intense eye pain, redness, and may be associated with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.79 (Eye). Source verified 2026-05-17 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.