EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Optic Neuritis
✓ VERIFIED AGAINST 38 C.F.R.§ 4.79 (Eye) · reviewed 2026-05-15 · ClaimRecon Editorial Team
Optic Neuritis is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6026 of 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6026 across 1 severity tier (0%). 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
Inflammation of the optic nerve (CN II) causing vision loss, pain with eye movement, and color vision changes.
RATING CRITERIA (1 LEVELS)
0%
No standalone schedular percentage tier under DC 6026 (Optic neuropathy). Rate on the resulting visual impairment under § 4.79: visual acuity (DCs 6061-6066), visual fields (DCs 6080-6081), or muscle function/diplopia (DC 6090). Where optic neuritis is associated with multiple sclerosis, the underlying MS (DC 8018) is also rated separately.
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.
SOURCES & EDITORIAL
Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.79 (Eye). Source verified 2026-05-15 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team during a regulation-text comparison against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026