EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Cataracts VA Disability Rating
DC 6027-6029 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.79 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.6
OVERVIEW
Cataracts are rated based on residual visual impairment (visual acuity or field loss) under DC 6027 (traumatic) or DC 6029 (preoperative). Traumatic cataracts from blast exposure, UV radiation, or chemical exposure are directly service-connectable. Post-surgical aphakia (lens removal without implant) has its own minimum rating of 30%.
RATING CRITERIA (5 LEVELS)
60% -- 7+ incapacitating treatment visits in 12 months
Documented incapacitating episodes of eye condition requiring 7 or more treatment visits during the past 12 months. Rate under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye, or visual acuity -- whichever is higher.
40% -- 5-6 treatment visits or significant visual impairment
Documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 5 but less than 7 treatment visits in 12 months; OR visual acuity impairment at this level.
30% -- Post-surgical residual visual impairment
After cataract surgery, rate residual visual impairment under DC 6066 (visual acuity) or the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye -- whichever produces the higher evaluation.
20% -- 3-4 treatment visits or moderate visual impairment
Documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 3 but less than 5 treatment visits; or visual impairment at 20% level.
10% -- Minimum with continuous medication required
Minimum 10% evaluation when continuous medication is required for post-surgical management or pressure control.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Ophthalmology records documenting cataract diagnosis and surgery
-Pre- and post-operative visual acuity measurements
-Service records showing UV exposure, blast exposure, or chemical exposure
-Documentation of steroid use for service-connected conditions (steroid-induced cataracts)
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (1 MAPPED)
DC 6012-6013
Cataract surgery can increase risk of secondary glaucoma.
C&P EXAM TIPS (3)
1.Traumatic cataracts from blast or UV exposure have a direct service connection nexus.
2.Steroid-induced cataracts (from steroid medications for service-connected conditions) are claimable as secondary.
3.Post-surgery, the rating is based on residual visual acuity with correction.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. 4.79, General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye
Evaluate on the basis of either visual impairment due to the particular condition OR on incapacitating episodes -- whichever results in a higher evaluation. Minimum 10% when continuous medication required.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Cataracts post-surgery typically rate 10-20% based on residual visual impairment. Aphakia (no lens implant) guarantees minimum 30% ($552.47/mo).
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026