Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6006)

The VA rates Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified under Diagnostic Code 6006 at the following tiers: 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.

Diagnostic Code 6006 is the VA rating identifier for Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified 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 Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified under DC 6006 is 60%. This tier requires: With documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.79, Diagnostic Code 6006. 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 Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified include: Major Depressive Disorder (Vision Loss). 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 Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified 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.