CLAIM RECON INTEL

Retinal Artery Occlusion

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Retinal Artery Occlusion?

Retinal Artery Occlusion (DC 6006) is rated at 0% under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006. Rate on resulting permanent visual impairment after the acute event has stabilized: acuity loss (DCs 6061-6066) and/or visual field defect (DCs 6080/6081 — typically severe sector loss after CRAO/BRAO), whichever yields the higher evaluation. Active-treatment incapacitating episodes (anti-VEGF for secondary neovascularization, retinal laser) rate under the General Rating Formula.

Q: What rates 0% for Retinal Artery Occlusion under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006 (DC 6006), a 0% rating for Retinal Artery Occlusion requires: Rate on resulting permanent visual impairment after the acute event has stabilized: acuity loss (DCs 6061-6066) and/or visual field defect (DCs 6080/6081 — typically severe sector loss after CRAO/BRAO), whichever yields the higher evaluation. Active-treatment incapacitating episodes (anti-VEGF for secondary neovascularization, retinal laser) rate under the General Rating Formula.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Retinal Artery Occlusion VA claim?

Key evidence for a Retinal Artery Occlusion claim includes: Best-corrected visual acuity measurement from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist; Formal visual field (perimetry) test results, if peripheral vision is affected; Records counting incapacitating episodes (treatment visits for the eye) over the past 12 months; Ophthalmology/optometry records confirming the eye diagnosis; Documentation of continuous medication (for example, glaucoma eye drops). All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 600638 C.F.R. § 4.79

Diagnostic Code

DC 6006

38 C.F.R. § 4.79

Rating Range

0–0%

1 severity tier

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Retinal Artery Occlusion is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6006 of 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006 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.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Blockage of a retinal artery (central or branch), causing sudden, painless vision loss due to retinal ischemia. Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is an ophthalmologic emergency causing severe vision loss. Often associated with carotid artery disease, cardiac emboli, or hypercoagulable states.

Rating Criteria

Rate on resulting permanent visual impairment after the acute event has stabilized: acuity loss (DCs 6061-6066) and/or visual field defect (DCs 6080/6081 — typically severe sector loss after CRAO/BRAO), whichever yields the higher evaluation. Active-treatment incapacitating episodes (anti-VEGF for secondary neovascularization, retinal laser) rate under the General Rating Formula.

Key Evidence

—Best-corrected visual acuity measurement from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist

—Formal visual field (perimetry) test results, if peripheral vision is affected

—Records counting incapacitating episodes (treatment visits for the eye) over the past 12 months

—Ophthalmology/optometry records confirming the eye diagnosis

—Documentation of continuous medication (for example, glaucoma eye drops)

—Statements describing how vision loss affects daily activities

C&P Exam Tips

1Eye conditions are rated on the higher of visual impairment or incapacitating episodes (38 CFR 4.79) - ask which path gives you the better result.

2Visual acuity is rated on best-corrected (with glasses/contacts) distance vision - request a current acuity measurement and note that the exam must be done by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist (38 CFR 4.75).

3If you have peripheral vision loss, request formal visual field testing (perimetry); visual field defects are rated separately (38 CFR 4.79, DC 6080).

4Incapacitating episodes are counted by the number of treatment visits for the eye condition over the past 12 months (38 CFR 4.79) - document each clinic visit specifically for treatment.

5For glaucoma, a 10% minimum applies if continuous medication is required - make sure your eye-drop regimen is on the record.

6Report how your vision affects reading, driving, work, and daily activity, and bring your full eye-medication list.

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

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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