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Vision Loss / Eye Conditions VA Disability Rating
DC 6061-6079 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.79 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.6
OVERVIEW
Visual impairment is rated based on corrected visual acuity, visual field loss, or anatomical loss of the eye. DC 6061-6079 cover various combinations of visual acuity loss in each eye. Common service-connected eye conditions include traumatic eye injuries, blast-related vision changes, chemical exposure, diabetic retinopathy (secondary to diabetes), and glaucoma. The VA uses the best corrected visual acuity for rating purposes.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
100% — Visual acuity 5/200 or worse in better eye, or legal blindness
Best corrected visual acuity of 5/200 (20/800) or worse in the better eye; or total field loss (count fingers or less at 1 meter); or legal blindness (20/200 or worse with field <20°). Rate under DC 6061-6066 based on visual acuity and field loss.
60% — Visual acuity 20/200 or worse in better eye
Best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye, without legal blindness criteria. Rate on the visual acuity table for both eyes combined.
30% — Visual acuity 20/100 or worse in better eye
Best corrected visual acuity of 20/100 or worse in the better eye. Rate under appropriate visual acuity diagnostic code.
10% — Visual acuity 20/70 or worse in better eye, or field constriction
Best corrected visual acuity of 20/70 or worse in the better eye; or visual field constriction meeting threshold criteria.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Ophthalmology records with corrected visual acuity measurements
-Visual field testing (Goldman or Humphrey perimetry)
-Documentation of eye injury or exposure during service
-Imaging (OCT, fundoscopy) showing retinal or optic nerve changes
-Service records documenting blast exposure, chemical exposure, or eye trauma
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)
DC 8100
Eye strain and visual processing difficulties can trigger or aggravate headaches.
DC 9434/9413
Vision loss significantly impacts quality of life and independence.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.The VA rates based on CORRECTED (with glasses/contacts) visual acuity, not uncorrected.
2.If you have visual field loss (tunnel vision, blind spots), request formal visual field testing. Field loss is rated separately from acuity.
3.Bring your most recent ophthalmology records with exact acuity measurements for each eye.
4.If your vision loss is secondary to diabetes (diabetic retinopathy), claim it as secondary under 38 C.F.R. 3.310.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.79, DCs 6061-6066; General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye
Visual impairment ratings are based on the corrected visual acuity of the better eye using the Snellen chart converted to decimal acuity. Rate each eye under the appropriate code and combine using the VA's visual acuity table. Evaluate on visual impairment OR incapacitating episodes — whichever produces the higher evaluation.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Vision ratings vary widely by acuity combination. Significant loss in one eye (20/200) with good vision in the other rates at 30% ($552.47/mo). Bilateral severe 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