Visual field defects
The VA rates Visual field defects under Diagnostic Code 6080 across 6 severity levels, from 10% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 6080 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 6
- CFR section
- § 4.79
- Body system
- Organs of Special Sense
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Visual field defects?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Unilateral Note: Measured by standard perimetry. Rate separately from visual acuity loss. |
| 20% | Unilateral |
| 30% | Homonymous hemianopsia |
| 50% | Bilateral |
| 70% | Bilateral |
| 100% | Bilateral |
“Bilateral”
Common Questions About Visual field defects VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Visual field defects?
The VA rates Visual field defects under Diagnostic Code 6080 at 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Unilateral. The maximum 100% rating requires: Bilateral.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Visual field defects?
The VA rates Visual field defects under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6080, 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 100% rating for Visual field defects?
A 10% rating requires: Unilateral. A 100% rating requires: Bilateral. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Visual field defects qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Visual field defects 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 Visual field defects?
The key evidence for Visual field defects 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.
What happens at the C&P exam for Visual field defects?
The C&P examiner uses a Organs of Special Sense DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6080 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.
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