What rates 20% for Cataracts under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6027--6029?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6027--6029 (DC 6027), a 20% rating for Cataracts requires: Active pathology with 3 or 4 incapacitating episodes in the past 12 months.

What rates 40% for Cataracts under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6027--6029?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6027--6029 (DC 6027), a 40% rating for Cataracts requires: Active pathology with 5 or 6 incapacitating episodes in the past 12 months.

What rates 60% for Cataracts under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6027--6029?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6027--6029 (DC 6027), a 60% rating for Cataracts requires: Active pathology with 7+ incapacitating episodes in the past 12 months.

What happens during a C&P exam for Cataracts?

Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms. Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

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Cataracts

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Cataracts?

Cataracts (DC 6027) is rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60% under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6027--6029. Active pathology with 1 or 2 incapacitating episodes requiring treatment in the past 12 months. Or rate on resulting visual impairment (acuity DCs 6061-6066), whichever higher.

Q: What rates 10% for Cataracts under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6027--6029?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6027--6029 (DC 6027), a 10% rating for Cataracts requires: Active pathology with 1 or 2 incapacitating episodes requiring treatment in the past 12 months. Or rate on resulting visual impairment (acuity DCs 6061-6066), whichever higher.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Cataracts VA claim?

Key evidence for a Cataracts claim includes: Service treatment records; Current medical diagnosis and treatment records; Buddy/lay statements; Prescription history; Employment impact documentation. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 602738 C.F.R. § 4.79

Diagnostic Code

DC 6027

38 C.F.R. § 4.79

Rating Range

10–60%

4 severity tiers

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.79

Cataracts is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6027 of 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6027--6029 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.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Clouding of the natural lens of the eye, causing blurred vision, glare, and decreased visual acuity. DC 6027 covers traumatic cataracts; DC 6028 covers senile/age-related cataracts; DC 6029 covers aphakia or dislocation of the crystalline lens. Service connection often established for traumatic cataracts from blast or radiation exposure.

Rating Criteria

10%

Active pathology with 1 or 2 incapacitating episodes requiring treatment in the past 12 months. Or rate on resulting visual impairment (acuity DCs 6061-6066), whichever higher.

20%

Active pathology with 3 or 4 incapacitating episodes in the past 12 months.

40%

Active pathology with 5 or 6 incapacitating episodes in the past 12 months.

60%

Active pathology with 7+ incapacitating episodes in the past 12 months.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records

—Current medical diagnosis and treatment records

—Buddy/lay statements

—Prescription history

—Employment impact documentation

—Any relevant diagnostic testing

04C&P Exam Tips

1Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.

2Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

3Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.

4Mention all medications and their side effects.

5Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.

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Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

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.

View § 4.79 on eCFR →Cornell Law mirror →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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