Angle-closure glaucoma — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6012)

The VA rates Angle-closure glaucoma under Diagnostic Code 6012 at the following tiers: 10%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Evaluate under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye. Minimum evaluation if continuous medication is required. The maximum 10% rating requires: Evaluate under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye. Minimum evaluation if continuous medication is required.

Diagnostic Code 6012 is the VA rating identifier for Angle-closure glaucoma within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.79. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Angle-closure glaucoma under DC 6012 is 10%. This tier requires: Evaluate under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye. Minimum evaluation if continuous medication is required. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Angle-closure glaucoma alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Angle-closure glaucoma is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.79, Diagnostic Code 6012. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Conditions commonly secondary to Angle-closure glaucoma include: Major Depressive Disorder / Anxiety Disorder. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Medical nexus evidence linking the primary and secondary condition is required.

Service connection for Angle-closure glaucoma requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.