Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified
Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.79, Diagnostic Code 6006, from 10% to 60% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 60% rating requires: With documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. Most claims establish the 10% or 20% rating before reaching the top tier.
What are the VA rating criteria for Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified?
With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months
Note: Via General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye:
With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 3 but less than 5 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months
Note: Via General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye:
With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 5 but less than 7 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months
Note: Via General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye:
With documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months
Note: Via General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye:
“With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 5 but less than 7 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified?
View 1 secondary condition linked to Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified?
The VA rates Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified under Diagnostic Code 6006 at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%. The minimum 10% rating requires: With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. The maximum 60% rating requires: With documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified?
The VA rates Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6006, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.79. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 10% and a 60% rating for Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified?
A 10% rating requires: With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. A 60% rating requires: With documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified?
Service connection for Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified?
Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified is associated with 1 documented secondary condition. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What is the C&P exam like for Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.
Get a Personalized Rating Analysis
VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.
Discover Your Benefits