38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.79
Conjunctivitis Trachomatous Chronic
dc-6017-conjunctivitis-trachomatous-chronic
Eye
Diagnostic code
6017
Why your DC matters: DC 6017 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 6017 — Conjunctivitis Trachomatous Chronic — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.79 in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Educational index row from the rating schedule naming convention; confirm exact diagnostic code, effective date, and criteria in the current eCFR Part 4.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (6017) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “6017”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 6017 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 6017 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 6017 is a legacy code mostly relevant to veterans who served in regions where trachoma was endemic — WWII Mediterranean, Korea, Southeast Asia, and historical pre-antibiotic-era service. The active-disease rating is fixed at 30%, but the real value of the code is anchoring chronic residuals after the active phase resolves: conjunctival scarring, entropion, trichiasis, corneal opacities, and (most importantly) loss of visual acuity rate separately under the general eye-disease formula. Modern veterans presenting with trachomatous conjunctivitis are rare, but the residuals lane is where most rating value lives. The active 30% rating runs only while the disease is active; verify active vs. inactive status at every C&P.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | Active trachomatous conjunctivitis — chronic active disease with objective symptoms. | Ophthalmology exam documenting active follicular conjunctivitis + clinical or laboratory confirmation of Chlamydia trachomatis or compatible clinical picture. Slit-lamp findings: follicles on upper tarsal conjunctiva, limbal follicles (Herbert's pits), pannus. |
| 0% | Inactive trachoma — rate residuals separately (conjunctival scarring, entropion, trichiasis, corneal opacity, visual acuity loss). | Resolved active disease; rate residuals under DC 6018 (chronic conjunctivitis), DC 7800 (scarring), DC 6066 (visual acuity), etc. |
What Qualifies as 'Active Trachomatous Conjunctivitis' Under DC 6017?
Chronic infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis
Trachoma is a chronic follicular conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Endemic in regions of historical military deployment (Mediterranean WWII, Korea, Southeast Asia, parts of the Middle East).
Active vs. inactive distinction
Active = ongoing follicular conjunctivitis with objective findings on slit-lamp (follicles, pannus, Herbert's pits). 30% rating. Inactive = healed scarring without active inflammation. Rate residuals separately.
Residuals rate separately
Conjunctival scarring, entropion, trichiasis, corneal opacity, visual acuity loss — each rates under its own DC.
Distinguished from non-trachomatous conjunctivitis
DC 6017 (trachomatous, 30%) requires trachoma-specific features. Generic chronic conjunctivitis rates under DC 6018 (10% cap).
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“Active chronic trachomatous conjunctivitis with objective symptoms”
The 30% gate. 'Active' is the operative word — once inactive, the 30% rating ends and residuals rate separately. Make sure ophthalmology chart documents active follicular changes.
“Conjunctival scarring, entropion, trichiasis, corneal opacity, visual acuity loss”
Chronic residuals rate SEPARATELY under their respective DCs. This is often where the real rating value lives — particularly visual acuity loss under DC 6066.
“Chlamydia trachomatis or compatible clinical picture”
Anchors the trachoma diagnosis vs. generic chronic conjunctivitis (DC 6018 — only 10%). Laboratory confirmation rare in legacy cases; clinical picture + service-era epidemiology often supports the diagnosis.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Ophthalmology exam with slit-lamp findings
CRITICALActive disease: follicles on upper tarsal conjunctiva, limbal follicles (Herbert's pits), pannus. Inactive: scarring, entropion, trichiasis.
Service treatment records documenting active disease in service
CRITICALEstablishes service connection. Often the linchpin for legacy claims.
Visual acuity testing (current)
CRITICALLoss of visual acuity from corneal opacity rates separately under DC 6066. Pull current Snellen + contrast sensitivity.
Eyelid examination — entropion / trichiasis
IMPORTANTInverted lashes contacting cornea cause chronic irritation and rate under separate scarring / eyelid DCs.
Symptom diary — chronic eye irritation, photophobia, tearing
IMPORTANTSupports the 'objective symptoms' element of the 30% active tier.
C&P Exam Tips
Demand slit-lamp examination explicitly
Active follicular conjunctivitis is best seen on slit-lamp. Pen-light exam isn't enough.
Bring service-era documentation of original active disease
STRs documenting trachoma diagnosis or compatible eye complaints in service anchor service connection.
Ask for visual acuity assessment with best correction
Loss of acuity from corneal opacity opens separate DC 6066 rating — potentially worth more than the 30% active rating.
Don't conflate with allergic or viral conjunctivitis
Generic chronic conjunctivitis rates under DC 6018 (10% only). Trachoma-specific features (follicles, Herbert's pits, pannus) anchor DC 6017.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Filing under DC 6018 (chronic conjunctivitis) instead of DC 6017
DC 6018 caps at 10%. DC 6017 (trachomatous) = 30% when active. If service-era trachoma is documented and active disease persists, file under 6017 specifically.
Not pursuing residual ratings after active disease resolves
Conjunctival scarring, entropion, trichiasis, corneal opacity, visual acuity loss — all rate separately. The active 30% is temporary; residuals are permanent.
Missing visual acuity loss as a separate DC 6066 claim
Corneal opacity from trachoma reduces best-corrected visual acuity. DC 6066 ratings often exceed the DC 6017 active 30%.
Not establishing service connection through epidemiology
Legacy claims often lack STRs documenting trachoma specifically. Service in endemic regions (Mediterranean WWII, Korea, Southeast Asia) + current trachoma sequelae + nexus opinion can establish SC.
Tactical Plays
⚡ Anchor the trachoma diagnosis with slit-lamp specifics
DC 6017 vs. DC 6018 is a 30% vs. 10% gap. Trachoma-specific findings — follicles on upper tarsal conjunctiva, Herbert's pits (limbal scarring), pannus (corneal neovascularization) — anchor DC 6017. Generic 'red eye / chronic conjunctivitis' rates only at DC 6018 10%. Demand slit-lamp documentation.
⚡ Build the residuals claim BEFORE active disease resolves
The 30% active rating is temporary — once disease is inactive, residuals rate separately. Conjunctival scarring, entropion, trichiasis, corneal opacity, visual acuity loss — each separately ratable. File the residuals claim with current ophthalmology evaluation; don't wait for the inactive transition.
⚡ Pursue visual acuity loss under DC 6066
Corneal scarring from trachoma reduces best-corrected visual acuity. DC 6066 rates based on the Snellen + visual acuity formula and can exceed 30%. Pull current Snellen + worst-corrected baseline.
⚡ Service in endemic region + current sequelae + nexus = SC
For legacy claims without STRs, service in trachoma-endemic regions (Mediterranean WWII, Korea, Southeast Asia, historical service) + current trachoma sequelae + a nexus opinion from ophthalmology can establish service connection. Don't abandon a claim because STRs are silent.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Visual acuity loss (corneal opacity)
STRONGDC 6066
Trachoma sequelae include corneal scarring → reduced visual acuity. DC 6066 rates separately and often exceeds DC 6017's active 30%.
Entropion / trichiasis (eyelid)
STRONGInverted lashes from chronic conjunctival scarring cause ongoing corneal irritation; rates separately under eyelid scarring or surgical correction DCs.
Conjunctival scarring
MODERATEDC 7800
Disfigurement from periocular scarring rates under scar DCs if visible.
Corneal opacity / dystrophy
MODERATEChronic corneal involvement may rate under DC 6035 (keratoconus) or related cornea DCs depending on findings.
Dry eye disease (secondary to chronic conjunctival damage)
SITUATIONALChronic conjunctival scarring impairs tear film; secondary dry eye may rate separately.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
0% — single, no dependents
TOTAL
$0.00/mo
Inactive trachoma; rate residuals separately.
30% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Active chronic trachomatous conjunctivitis.
30% DC 6017 active + 30% DC 6066 visual acuity 20/100
Base rating
$1,132.90
TOTAL
$1,132.90/mo
Active disease + visual acuity loss from corneal opacity — combined ~51% rounds to 50%.
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
🔬What is Herbert's Pit?
Herbert's pits = limbal scarring from healed limbal follicles in trachoma. Pathognomonic — if a slit-lamp shows Herbert's pits, the trachoma diagnosis is anchored. Look for the term in ophthalmology notes.
🩸What is Pannus in trachoma?
Pannus = corneal neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel ingrowth) descending from the superior limbus. Trachoma-specific. Reduces visual acuity if extensive.
👁️What is Trichiasis?
Trichiasis = inward-turning eyelashes that scrape the cornea. Caused by tarsal scarring from chronic trachoma (cicatricial entropion). Causes ongoing corneal damage and pain — rates separately as residual.
❓Is trachoma still presumptive?
Not on the modern presumptive list. Service connection requires either (1) STR documentation of in-service diagnosis, (2) service in endemic regions + current residuals + nexus opinion, or (3) presumption under specific historical service-period rules. Verify current presumptive status before filing.
How to File Your Claim
Pull ophthalmology slit-lamp exam documenting active features
Follicles, Herbert's pits, pannus. Anchors DC 6017 vs. DC 6018 distinction.
Establish service connection
STR documentation OR service in endemic region + current sequelae + nexus opinion.
Pull current visual acuity + cornea evaluation
Anchors DC 6066 separate rating for visual loss.
File 21-526EZ specifying 'active trachomatous conjunctivitis (DC 6017)' + each residual separately
Active disease + visual acuity loss + entropion / trichiasis + scarring — each separately listed.
Re-file residuals claim if active disease resolves
Active 30% ends with inactive transition; permanent residuals continue to rate.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
Active = 30%; inactive = rate residuals separately
DC 6017 active rating runs only during active disease. Once inactive, the 30% rating ends but residuals (scarring, trichiasis, visual acuity loss) rate separately.
Trachoma-specific findings anchor DC 6017 vs. DC 6018
Follicles, Herbert's pits, pannus = trachoma-specific (30%). Generic chronic conjunctivitis = DC 6018 (10% cap). Demand slit-lamp documentation.
Visual acuity loss under DC 6066 often worth more than 30%
Corneal scarring → reduced acuity. Don't accept the DC 6017 30% as the ceiling; pursue DC 6066 separately based on Snellen testing.
Legacy diagnosis — establish SC through epidemiology
Modern veterans rarely encounter trachoma. Legacy claims (WWII Mediterranean, Korea, Southeast Asia) often require service epidemiology + nexus opinion to establish SC when STRs are silent.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between DC 6017 and DC 6018?
DC 6017 = trachomatous conjunctivitis (Chlamydia trachomatis-caused, with trachoma-specific findings). 30% when active. DC 6018 = chronic conjunctivitis from other causes (allergic, bacterial, viral). 10% cap when active. The slit-lamp findings (follicles, Herbert's pits, pannus) anchor DC 6017.
Does the 30% rating continue after active disease resolves?
No — the 30% DC 6017 rating runs only during active disease. Once inactive, residuals (conjunctival scarring, entropion, trichiasis, corneal opacity, visual acuity loss) rate separately under their respective DCs.
Can I claim visual acuity loss in addition to trachoma?
Yes — visual acuity loss from corneal opacity rates separately under DC 6066, regardless of trachoma rating. Often exceeds the DC 6017 30% active rating.
Is trachoma on the presumptive list?
Not on the modern PACT Act or Agent Orange presumptive lists. Service connection requires STR documentation, in-service diagnosis, or service in endemic regions + current sequelae + nexus opinion. Verify presumption status for your specific service period.
What if my STRs don't mention trachoma but I served where it was endemic?
Service in trachoma-endemic regions (Mediterranean WWII, Korea, Southeast Asia, historical service) + current trachoma sequelae + a competent nexus opinion from ophthalmology can establish service connection by inference. Don't abandon the claim just because STRs are silent.
Official Regulatory Source
Active trachomatous conjunctivitis is rated under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6017 — 30% during active disease, with residuals rating separately.
38 CFR § 4.79 — Eye (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 6017. Compare DC 6018 (other chronic conjunctivitis, 10% cap) for the diagnostic distinction. DC 6066 covers visual acuity loss from corneal opacity.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 6017, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 6017 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.