What are the VA rating percentages for Retinal Detachment?

Retinal Detachment (DC 6008) is rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60% under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6008. Active pathology with 1 or 2 incapacitating episodes requiring treatment in the past 12 months.

What rates 10% for Retinal Detachment under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6008?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6008 (DC 6008), a 10% rating for Retinal Detachment requires: Active pathology with 1 or 2 incapacitating episodes requiring treatment in the past 12 months.

What rates 20% for Retinal Detachment under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6008?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6008 (DC 6008), a 20% rating for Retinal Detachment requires: Active pathology with 3 or 4 incapacitating episodes in the past 12 months.

What rates 40% for Retinal Detachment under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6008?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6008 (DC 6008), a 40% rating for Retinal Detachment requires: Active pathology with 5 or 6 incapacitating episodes in the past 12 months.

What happens during a C&P exam for Retinal Detachment?

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.

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

← All Condition Guides

CLAIM RECON INTEL

Retinal Detachment

Q: What rates 60% for Retinal Detachment under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6008?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6008 (DC 6008), a 60% rating for Retinal Detachment requires: Active pathology with 7+ incapacitating episodes in the past 12 months. Or rate on visual impairment if higher — macula-off detachments commonly cause permanent visual acuity loss exceeding this tier.

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

Key evidence for a Retinal Detachment 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 6008 | 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6008 | 

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

Retinal Detachment is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6008 of 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6008 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.

OVERVIEW

Separation of the retina from the underlying pigment epithelium, disrupting blood supply and causing vision loss if not promptly treated. Types include rhegmatogenous (tear-related), tractional, and exudative. In veterans, often caused by trauma, blast injuries, or as a complication of diabetic retinopathy.

RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)

10%

Active pathology with 1 or 2 incapacitating episodes requiring treatment in the past 12 months.

20%

Active pathology with 3 or 4 incapacitating episodes in the past 12 months.

40%

Active pathology with 5 or 6 incapacitating episodes in the past 12 months.

60%

Active pathology with 7+ incapacitating episodes in the past 12 months. Or rate on visual impairment if higher — macula-off detachments commonly cause permanent visual acuity loss exceeding this tier.

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.

Secondary Conditions Explorer

736 secondaries mapped

Calculate Your Rating

VA math + dollar impact

MORE IN VISION

Glaucoma Cataracts Macular Degeneration Dry Eye Syndrome Diabetic Retinopathy Ptosis (Eyelid Drooping)Visual Field Loss Diplopia (Double Vision)All conditions >

RELATED TOOLS

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

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

LOADING