What rates 20% for Diabetic Retinopathy under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006 (DC 6006), a 20% rating for Diabetic Retinopathy requires: Active pathology with 3 or 4 incapacitating episodes in the past 12 months.

What rates 40% for Diabetic Retinopathy under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006 (DC 6006), a 40% rating for Diabetic Retinopathy requires: Active pathology with 5 or 6 incapacitating episodes in the past 12 months.

What rates 60% for Diabetic Retinopathy under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006 (DC 6006), a 60% rating for Diabetic Retinopathy requires: Active pathology with 7+ incapacitating episodes in the past 12 months.

What happens during a C&P exam for Diabetic Retinopathy?

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.

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

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Diabetic Retinopathy

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic Retinopathy (DC 6006) is rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60% under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006. Active pathology with 1 or 2 incapacitating episodes requiring treatment in the past 12 months. Or rate on visual impairment (DCs 6061-6066 acuity OR DCs 6080/6081 visual field), whichever higher.

Q: What rates 10% for Diabetic Retinopathy under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006 (DC 6006), a 10% rating for Diabetic Retinopathy requires: Active pathology with 1 or 2 incapacitating episodes requiring treatment in the past 12 months. Or rate on visual impairment (DCs 6061-6066 acuity OR DCs 6080/6081 visual field), whichever higher.

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

Key evidence for a Diabetic Retinopathy 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 6006 | 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006 | 

✓ VERIFIED AGAINST 38 C.F.R.§ 4.79 (Eye) · reviewed 2026-05-17 · ClaimRecon Editorial Team

Diabetic Retinopathy is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6006 of 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006 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.

OVERVIEW

Damage to the retinal blood vessels caused by diabetes mellitus, progressing from non-proliferative (microaneurysms, hemorrhages) to proliferative (abnormal new blood vessel growth) stages. A leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults and commonly secondary to service-connected diabetes.

RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)

10%

Active pathology with 1 or 2 incapacitating episodes requiring treatment in the past 12 months. Or rate on visual impairment (DCs 6061-6066 acuity OR DCs 6080/6081 visual field), 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.

KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER

-Service treatment records

-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records

-Buddy/lay statements

-Prescription history

-Employment impact documentation

-Any relevant diagnostic testing

C&P EXAM TIPS (5)

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

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

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

4.Mention all medications and their side effects.

5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.

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SOURCES & EDITORIAL

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.79 (Eye). Source verified 2026-05-17 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team during a regulation-text comparison 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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