Eyes Overview

Sight is among the important senses that provide perceptions to human beings about environmental stimuli and conditions outside of the human body. Structures and functions of the eye are constituents of the visual system.

The visual system includes the external and internal eye structures of the eyeball. The eye is the organ of sight that transmits images to the brain for interpretation. The external (extraocular) structures including the eyelids, eyelashes, conjunctivae, and lacrimal apparatus protect and lubricate the eyes. Readily visible anterior internal (intraocular) structures include the sclera, cornea, anterior chamber, iris, and pupil. Other intraocular structures are visible only with the use of an opthalmoscope or other instrument. These structures include aqueous humor, lens, ciliary body, vitreous humor, retina and choroid. The retina, the innermost layer of the eyeball, contains the tissue from the nervous system which receives visual stimuli.

The internal and external parts of the eye are controlled by extraocular muscles. Six cranial nerves innervate the eye, the ocular muscles, and the lacrimal apparatus. The coordinated action of the six cranial nerves control eye movement.

General Considerations for Rating

  • When evaluating visual impairment, refer to 38 CFR 3.350 to determine whether the claimant may be entitled to special monthly compensation. Footnotes in the schedule indicate levels of visual impairment that potentially establish entitlement to special monthly compensation; however, other levels of visual impairment combined with disabilities of other body systems may also establish entitlement. (38 CFR §4.75)
  • Consider entitlement to ancillary benefits if Veteran meets eligibility criteria (38 CFR §3.155(d)(2)).
  • Refer to 38 CFR §4.75-§4.79 for additional considerations when evaluating eye conditions.

Eye - Diseases

Diagnostic Code Name VA Exam Acronym
6000 Choroidopathy, including uveitis, iritis, cyclitis, or choroiditis Eye Conditions ---
6001 Keratopathy Eye Conditions KERA
6002 Scleritis Eye Conditions ---
6006 Retinopathy or maculopathy, not otherwise specified Eye Conditions ---
6007 Intraocular hemorrhage Eye Conditions ---
6008 Detachment of retina Eye Conditions ---
6009 Unhealed eye injury Eye Conditions ---
6010 Tuberculosis of eye Eye Conditions TB of Eye
6011 Retinal scars, atrophy, or irregularities Eye Conditions ---
6012 Angle-closure glaucoma Eye Conditions ---
6013 Open-angle glaucoma Eye Conditions ---
6014 Malignant neoplasms of the eye, orbit, and adnexa (excluding skin) Eye Conditions ---
6015 Benign neoplasms of the eye, orbit, and adnexa (excluding skin) Eye Conditions ---

Eye - Diseases (DCs 6016-6046)

Diagnostic Code Name VA Exam Acronym
6016 Nystagmus, central Eye Conditions ---
6017 Trachomatous conjunctivitis Eye Conditions ---
6018 Chronic conjunctivitis (nontrachomatous) Eye Conditions ---
6019 Ptosis, unilateral or bilateral Eye Conditions ---
6020 Ectropion Eye Conditions ---
6021 Entropion Eye Conditions ---
6022 Lagophthalmos Eye Conditions ---
6023 Loss of eyebrows, complete, unilateral or bilateral Eye Conditions ---
6024 Loss of eyelashes, complete, unilateral or bilateral Eye Conditions ---
6025 Disorders of the lacrimal apparatus (epiphora, dacryocystitis, etc.) Eye Conditions ---
6026 Optic neuropathy Eye Conditions ---
6027 Cataract of any type Eye Conditions CAT, CATR
6029 Aphakia or dislocation of crystalline lens Eye Conditions APK
6030 Paralysis of accommodation (due to neuropathy of the Oculomotor Nerve (cranial nerve III)) Eye Conditions A, ACCOM
6032 Loss of eyelids, partial or complete Eye Conditions or Scars ---
6034 Pterygium Eye Conditions ---
6035 Keratoconus Eye Conditions KC
6036 Status post corneal transplant Eye Conditions ---
6037 Pinguecula Eye Conditions ---
6040 Diabetic retinopathy Eye Conditions ---
6042 Retinal dystrophy (including retinitis pigmentosa, wet or dry macular degeneration, early-onset macular degeneration, rod and/or cone dystrophy) Eye Conditions ---
6046 Post-chiasmal disorders Eye Conditions ---

Eye - Visual Acuity

Diagnostic Code Name DBQ
6061 Anatomical loss both eyes Eye Conditions
6062 No more than light perception in both eyes Eye Conditions
6063 Anatomical loss of one eye Eye Conditions
6064 No more than light perception in one eye Eye Conditions
6065 Vision in one eye 5/200 (1.5/60) Eye Conditions
6066 Visual acuity in one eye 10/200 (3/60) or better Eye Conditions

Eye - Field of Vision

Diagnostic Code Name DBQ Acronym
6080 Visual field defects Eye Conditions ---
6081 Scotoma, unilateral Eye Conditions FLS (flashing lights or scotoma)

Eye - Muscle Function

Diagnostic Code Name DBQ
6090 Diplopia (double vision) Eye Conditions
6091 Symblepharon Eye Conditions

Analogous

Diagnostic Code Name
6099-6018 Blepharitis
6099-6026 Papilledema

Historical

The rating schedule for eyes (visual impairment) was updated on May 13, 2018. To view the historical rating schedule, please click the link below
  • Historical 4.79
  • Historical 4.84a
  • Historical rating criteria can also be found in the Knowledge Management Portal: eCFR 4.79