Diabetes complication affecting retinal blood vessels causing vision impairment or blindness. Nonproliferative (background) stage shows microaneurysms, hemorrhages, exudates; proliferative stage has abnormal new vessel growth. Macular edema can occur in either stage. Symptoms include blurred vision, floaters, dark areas, and vision loss. Leading cause of blindness in working-age adults.
Blindness or near-blindness (5/200 or worse) in affected eye(s) from diabetic retinopathy
Advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy with severe vision loss (20/200 or worse but better than 5/200), vitreous hemorrhage, or macular edema causing significant impairment
Severe nonproliferative or early proliferative diabetic retinopathy with moderate vision loss (20/50 to 20/100), or requiring frequent laser treatments
Moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with minimal visual impairment (20/40 or better)
Mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without visual impairment
Medical Evidence
Current diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider, medical records documenting symptoms and treatment history
Service Connection
Evidence linking your condition to military service (service treatment records, incident reports, or nexus letter)
Personal Statement
Your detailed account of how diabetic retinopathy affects your daily life and when symptoms began
Lay Evidence
Buddy letters from fellow service members or family who can corroborate your symptoms
During your Compensation & Pension exam for diabetic retinopathy, examiners will assess your symptoms against the rating criteria above.
Be specific: Describe your worst day, not your average day
Document everything: Bring copies of all medical records and evidence
Functional impact: Explain how symptoms affect work, sleep, and daily activities
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