Anatomical Loss of Both Eyes — VA Disability Rating (DC 6061)
Diagnostic Code 6061 · 38 CFR §4.79
What Is It?
Anatomical loss of both eyes — enucleation, evisceration or complete destruction of both globes — is DC 6061 in 38 CFR 4.79, the first entry in the block headed "Impairment of Central Visual Acuity," and it carries a flat 100 percent. This page previously cited DC 6046; that code is "Post-chiasmal disorders," an unrelated entry covering damage to the visual pathway behind the optic chiasm, and it carries no percentage of its own at all. The correction matters for a second reason, because DC 6061 is one of the codes marked with footnote 1 in the schedule: "Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under 38 CFR 3.350." For anatomical loss of both eyes that review lands high. 38 CFR 3.350(d)(4) lists "Anatomical loss of both eyes or blindness without light perception in both eyes" among the conditions payable at the 38 U.S.C. 1114(n) rate — not the (l) rate, and not the (m) rate, which covers blindness in both eyes having only light perception. And where a veteran is entitled to two or more of the rates in 1114(l) through (n), no condition counted twice, 38 CFR 3.350(e)(1)(ii) provides the (o) rate. Because the special monthly compensation frequently exceeds the schedular payment by a wide margin, identifying the correct rate is usually worth more than anything else in the claim.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Anatomical loss of both eyes — 100 percent, the entry rate for DC 6061 in 38 CFR 4.79. The schedule marks the entry with footnote 1, which directs review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under 38 CFR 3.350. There is no lesser step under this code: loss of both globes is total. |
Evidence Needed
The operative reports documenting enucleation, evisceration or removal of both globes are the central evidence, together with the original trauma records — emergency department notes, the initial wound-management operative report, and any later reconstructive surgery — which establish the in-service event. Add a current ophthalmology statement confirming the anatomical loss and describing complications such as chronic socket infection, implant exposure or socket contracture, and the prosthetic fitting and maintenance records. For the special monthly compensation determination, the decisive evidence is different in kind: a functional assessment covering activities of daily living, mobility, and whether you require the regular aid and attendance of another person, because that is what separates the 1114(n) rate from higher combinations under 1114(o) and the aid-and-attendance provisions.
C&P Exam Tips
This is a documentary claim more than an examination claim — the anatomical fact is in the operative report and no measurement can add to it. Spend the examination on everything that surrounds it: whether a prosthesis can be worn on each side and what happens when it cannot, socket complications, phantom pain, and the practical scope of assistance you need. Ask that the examination address aid and attendance explicitly, since 38 CFR 3.350 turns on it at several levels. Raise any facial disfigurement separately: DC 7800 evaluates it on the characteristics of disfigurement, and it is rated independently of the visual code.
How to File
File for the eye loss with the operative and trauma records, and in the same claim ask expressly for a special monthly compensation determination citing 38 CFR 3.350(d)(4) — anatomical loss of both eyes or blindness without light perception in both eyes, payable at the 38 U.S.C. 1114(n) rate. If you have any additional qualifying loss, ask that 38 CFR 3.350(e)(1)(ii) be considered, which provides the (o) rate for conditions entitling to two or more of the rates in 1114(l) through (n) with no condition counted twice. Claim facial disfigurement under DC 7800 and any mental-health condition separately. Note that 38 CFR 4.75(e)'s 10 percent increase for inability to wear a prosthesis is written for DC 6063, anatomical loss of one eye, and does not add to a 100 percent evaluation here.
Common Mistakes
Citing the wrong special monthly compensation rate. Anatomical loss of both eyes is listed in 38 CFR 3.350(d)(4) at the 38 U.S.C. 1114(n) rate; the (l) rate covers blindness in both eyes with visual acuity of 5/200 or less or being permanently bedridden, and the (m) rate covers blindness in both eyes having only light perception. Understating the rate by two tiers is the most expensive error available on this claim. Treating the 100 percent schedular evaluation as the whole award, when the special monthly compensation is usually the larger figure. Not claiming facial disfigurement under DC 7800, which is separate from the visual code. And overlooking aid and attendance, which drives several determinations under 38 CFR 3.350.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rating for anatomical loss of both eyes?
One hundred percent under DC 6061, the first entry in the central visual acuity block of 38 CFR 4.79. The entry is marked with footnote 1, directing review for special monthly compensation under 38 CFR 3.350.
Which special monthly compensation rate applies?
38 CFR 3.350(d)(4) lists anatomical loss of both eyes, or blindness without light perception in both eyes, among the conditions payable at the 38 U.S.C. 1114(n) rate. Where you are entitled to two or more of the rates in 1114(l) through (n) with no condition counted twice, 38 CFR 3.350(e)(1)(ii) provides the (o) rate.
How is this different from blindness with light perception?
Both are 100 percent schedular, but the special monthly compensation differs. Blindness in both eyes having only light perception is DC 6062 and is listed at the 1114(m) rate in 38 CFR 3.350(c). Anatomical loss, or blindness without light perception, is DC 6061 at the 1114(n) rate.
What does "only light perception" mean in the regulation?
38 CFR 3.350(a)(4) defines it: loss of use or blindness of one eye having only light perception exists when there is inability to recognise test letters at one foot and further examination reveals that perception of objects, hand movements, or counting fingers cannot be accomplished at three feet.
Can I be rated for facial disfigurement as well?
Yes. DC 7800 evaluates disfigurement of the head, face or neck on its own characteristics and is combined with the visual evaluation. Note that 38 CFR 4.75(e), which adds 10 percent to a DC 6063 evaluation where a prosthesis cannot be worn, expressly precludes a DC 7800 evaluation based on gross distortion or asymmetry — but not one based on other characteristics of disfigurement.
Does the rating cover guide dogs and assistive technology?
Those come from VA Blind Rehabilitation Service rather than from the rating itself — guide dogs, canes, electronic mobility aids, screen readers and Braille training are provided to eligible blind veterans through Blind Rehabilitation Centers and specialised clinical teams, and the application is made to those programs directly.