EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Glaucoma VA Disability Rating
DC 6012-6013 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.79 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.6
OVERVIEW
Glaucoma is rated under DC 6012 (open-angle) or DC 6013 (angle-closure) based on visual acuity loss and visual field loss. Service connection may be established through direct eye trauma, toxic exposure (Agent Orange, chemicals), or secondary to diabetes or steroid medications for service-connected conditions. The VA rates based on the residual visual impairment, not the glaucoma diagnosis itself.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
60% -- 7+ incapacitating treatment visits in 12 months
Documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for the eye condition during the past 12 months. Rate under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye or visual acuity formula -- 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; OR visual impairment at the 40% level under the visual acuity formula.
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 evaluation when continuous medication required for IOP control. DC 6012 = angle-closure; DC 6013 = open-angle.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Ophthalmology records documenting glaucoma diagnosis and intraocular pressure measurements
-Visual field testing (Humphrey or Goldman perimetry) showing field loss
-Corrected visual acuity measurements for each eye
-Medication records for glaucoma drops or surgical intervention
-Service records showing eye trauma, chemical exposure, or blast exposure
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)
DC 9434/9413
Progressive vision loss causes significant psychological distress.
DC 8100
Elevated intraocular pressure and eye strain can trigger headaches.
C&P EXAM TIPS (3)
1.Glaucoma requiring continuous medication rates at minimum 10% even without measurable vision loss.
2.Get BOTH visual acuity AND visual field testing. The VA rates on whichever produces the higher rating.
3.If secondary to diabetes or steroid use for a service-connected condition, document the medication nexus.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. 4.79, DCs 6012-6013; General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye
Evaluate on visual impairment OR incapacitating episodes -- whichever produces higher evaluation. Minimum 10% when continuous medication required.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Glaucoma at 10% (medication only) pays $175.03/mo. With visual field loss, ratings can reach 30-50%+ depending on severity. Advanced glaucoma with severe bilateral field loss can rate 70-100%.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026