Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01332:reg:162:p1
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01332
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 162 (pt 1/6)
Character Range: 272912–275615

162

Step 1: If there is any accepted refractive error, determine the monocular assessment for each eye based on corrected visual acuity.

 All assessments of visual acuity are to be based on corrected visual acuity, that is, the visual acuity as measured when the veteran is wearing glasses or contact lenses correctly prescribed. No additional impairment rating is to be given for the need to wear corrective lenses.

 A separate monocular assessment is to be determined for each eye.

 If only one eye has a refractive error, or if only one eye is to be assessed, the monocular assessment of the eye is to be determined by applying Table 8.1.1 and the assessment for visual acuity for the other eye is to be taken as nil. (These assessments will ultimately be combined by applying Table 8.1.3.)

Functional Loss
Table 8.1.1

      Visual

MONOCULAR ASSESSMENTS FOR CORRECTED VISUAL ACUITY
acuity               6/6     6/9    6/12  6/18  6/24   6/30  6/36  6/48  6/60   3/60 Blind*

      Monocular
Assessment     0       10      20      30      40      50      60      70      80      90     100

      * In applying the above table, if the veteran's visual acuity in either eye is such that he or she is only capable of counting fingers or of perceiving the difference between light and darkness with that eye, then he or she is to be taken as "blind" in the eye so affected.

No age adjustment permitted for this table

    Step 2: If there is any accepted condition causing a visual field defect, determine the monocular assessment for each eye affected by the accepted condition.

    Any condition (such as glaucoma) which could cause loss of visual field is to be assessed by measuring that loss. For glaucoma without field loss refer to Table 8.1.2.

    Loss of visual field is to be measured either by a manual or a computerised method, using the Esterman grid (Figures 8A and 8B).

    Methods of measuring visual field loss

    If the field has been defined by a manual method such as a Bjerrum screen with a 5/
1000 white target or a Humphrey bowl at 10dB or less, a transparency of the Esterman grid is placed over the map of the visual field. Those dots that fall wholly or partially within the area of field loss are counted, and the number of dots so counted is to be taken as the monocular assessment for the field loss of that eye.

    If the field has been defined by the Humphrey computerised method, a transparency of the appropriate Esterman grid is placed over the graytone field map of the eye being assessed. The graytones represent varying degrees of diminished response to visual stimuli.  Count those dots that fall wholly or partially within the area of