What happens during a C&P exam for Glaucoma?

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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Glaucoma

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Glaucoma?

Glaucoma (DC 6012) is rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60% under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6012--6013. DC 6012/6013 verbatim — Minimum evaluation if continuous medication (e.g. prescription IOP-lowering eye drops such as latanoprost, timolol, brimonidine, dorzolamide, etc.) is required for IOP control. This minimum applies regardless of underlying visual impairment.

Q: What rates 10% for Glaucoma under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6012--6013?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6012--6013 (DC 6012), a 10% rating for Glaucoma requires: DC 6012/6013 verbatim — Minimum evaluation if continuous medication (e.g. prescription IOP-lowering eye drops such as latanoprost, timolol, brimonidine, dorzolamide, etc.) is required for IOP control. This minimum applies regardless of underlying visual impairment.

Q: What rates 20% for Glaucoma under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6012--6013?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6012--6013 (DC 6012), a 20% rating for Glaucoma requires: General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye: 3 or 4 incapacitating episodes requiring treatment by a physician in the past 12 months. OR rate on visual field defects (DC 6080) / acuity loss (DC 6063-6066) if higher.

Q: What rates 40% for Glaucoma under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6012--6013?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6012--6013 (DC 6012), a 40% rating for Glaucoma requires: General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye: 5 or 6 incapacitating episodes requiring treatment by a physician in the past 12 months. OR rate on visual field defects (DC 6080 concentric contraction) / acuity loss (DC 6063-6066) if higher — common in advanced glaucoma due to characteristic optic nerve damage causing arcuate / Bjerrum scotomas + concentric peripheral constriction.

Q: What rates 60% for Glaucoma under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6012--6013?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6012--6013 (DC 6012), a 60% rating for Glaucoma requires: General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye: 7 or more incapacitating episodes requiring treatment by a physician in the past 12 months. OR rate on severe visual field defects (concentric contraction to 16-30° bilateral = DC 6080 = 50% schedular; 6-15° = 70%) / acuity loss to 20/100 or worse — typical for end-stage glaucoma.

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

Key evidence for a Glaucoma 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 601238 C.F.R. § 4.79

Diagnostic Code

DC 6012

38 C.F.R. § 4.79

Rating Range

10–60%

4 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Glaucoma is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6012 of 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6012--6013 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

Group of eye diseases causing damage to the optic nerve, usually due to elevated intraocular pressure. Open-angle glaucoma (DC 6013) is the most common type and is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Angle-closure glaucoma (DC 6012) presents with acute attacks of eye pain and vision loss.

Rating Criteria

10%

DC 6012/6013 verbatim — Minimum evaluation if continuous medication (e.g. prescription IOP-lowering eye drops such as latanoprost, timolol, brimonidine, dorzolamide, etc.) is required for IOP control. This minimum applies regardless of underlying visual impairment.

20%

General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye: 3 or 4 incapacitating episodes requiring treatment by a physician in the past 12 months. OR rate on visual field defects (DC 6080) / acuity loss (DC 6063-6066) if higher.

40%

General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye: 5 or 6 incapacitating episodes requiring treatment by a physician in the past 12 months. OR rate on visual field defects (DC 6080 concentric contraction) / acuity loss (DC 6063-6066) if higher — common in advanced glaucoma due to characteristic optic nerve damage causing arcuate / Bjerrum scotomas + concentric peripheral constriction.

60%

General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye: 7 or more incapacitating episodes requiring treatment by a physician in the past 12 months. OR rate on severe visual field defects (concentric contraction to 16-30° bilateral = DC 6080 = 50% schedular; 6-15° = 70%) / acuity loss to 20/100 or worse — typical for end-stage glaucoma.

Key Evidence

—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

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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Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →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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