Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified
The VA rates Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified under Diagnostic Code 6006 across 4 severity levels, from 10% to 60%. The 60% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation. There are 1 documented secondary conditions linked to Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified.
Rating schedule — DC 6006 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.79
- Body system
- Organs of Special Sense
- Secondary conditions
- 1
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
10%, 20%, 40%, 60%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | 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: |
| 20% | 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: |
| 40% | 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: |
| 60% | 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?
Yes — a 60% rating for Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified?
The key evidence for Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
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 happens at the C&P exam for Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified?
The C&P examiner uses a Organs of Special Sense DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6006 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
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