What happens during a C&P exam for Nystagmus?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Nystagmus

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Nystagmus?

Nystagmus (DC 6016) is rated at 10% under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6016 (central nystagmus). Central nystagmus (acquired or congenital nystagmus with central origin). DC 6016 carries a fixed 10% rating regardless of severity. Alternatively, rate on resulting visual impairment under acuity DCs 6061-6066 OR oscillopsia / muscle-function DC 6090 if higher.

Q: What rates 10% for Nystagmus under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6016 (central nystagmus)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6016 (central nystagmus) (DC 6016), a 10% rating for Nystagmus requires: Central nystagmus (acquired or congenital nystagmus with central origin). DC 6016 carries a fixed 10% rating regardless of severity. Alternatively, rate on resulting visual impairment under acuity DCs 6061-6066 OR oscillopsia / muscle-function DC 6090 if higher.

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

Key evidence for a Nystagmus claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 6016 | 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6016 (central nystagmus) | 

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

Nystagmus is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6016 of 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6016 (central nystagmus) across 1 severity tier (10%). 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

Involuntary, repetitive, rhythmic eye movements that may be horizontal, vertical, or rotary. May be congenital or acquired. Acquired nystagmus in veterans often results from vestibular disorders, TBI, multiple sclerosis, or medication side effects. Causes oscillopsia (perception that the visual world is moving).

RATING CRITERIA (1 LEVELS)

10%

Central nystagmus (acquired or congenital nystagmus with central origin). DC 6016 carries a fixed 10% rating regardless of severity. Alternatively, rate on resulting visual impairment under acuity DCs 6061-6066 OR oscillopsia / muscle-function DC 6090 if higher.

KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER

-Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

-Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

-Range of motion measurements

-Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

-Buddy statements describing limitations

-Prescription history

-Physical therapy records

-Employment impact documentation

C&P EXAM TIPS (6)

1.Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2.Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3.Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4.Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5.If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6.Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

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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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