VA Disability Rating for Cataracts (DC 6027)
Diagnostic Code 6027 · 38 CFR §4.79
What Is It?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens that causes blurred vision, glare sensitivity, faded colors, and difficulty seeing in low light. Cataracts are most commonly age-related but can also result from eye trauma, radiation exposure, prolonged use of corticosteroid medications, or diabetes, all of which are relevant to veterans. Under the CFR, preoperative cataracts are evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye. Postoperative cataracts with a replacement lens (pseudophakia) are also evaluated under the General Rating Formula. If there is no replacement lens (aphakia), the condition is evaluated under DC 6029, which provides a minimum 30% rating.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | Preoperative, or postoperative with a replacement lens (pseudophakia): documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. Alternatively, evaluate on visual impairment if that produces a higher evaluation. |
| 40% | Documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 5 but less than 7 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. |
| 20% | Documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 3 but less than 5 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. |
| 10% | Documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. |
Evidence Needed
A diagnosis from an ophthalmologist documenting the cataracts and their impact on vision is required. If claiming traumatic cataracts from an in-service injury, include service treatment records. If cataracts developed secondary to diabetes or long-term steroid medication for a service-connected condition, a nexus opinion is needed. Post-surgical records showing complications, residual visual deficits, or the need for special corrective lenses are important.
C&P Exam Tips
If you still have cataracts, the exam will measure your corrected visual acuity and assess the degree of lens clouding. If you have had surgery, the examiner will evaluate residual visual impairment. Describe any ongoing visual difficulties including glare at night, halos around lights, difficulty reading, or problems with depth perception. If surgery left you with complications, make sure those are documented.
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ. For traumatic cataracts, reference the in-service eye injury. For secondary cataracts from diabetes or steroid use, identify the primary service-connected condition and include a nexus opinion. If your lens was not replaced after surgery, file under DC 6029 for the minimum 30% aphakia rating.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is assuming you cannot receive a rating after successful cataract surgery. Even with good surgical outcomes, you may qualify for a rating based on residual visual impairment or post-surgical complications. Another mistake is not connecting cataracts to a service-connected condition. Veterans taking long-term steroids may not realize those medications increase cataract risk, making a secondary claim possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be rated for cataracts after surgery?
Yes. Post-surgical cataract ratings depend on whether a replacement lens was implanted. With a lens implant (pseudophakia), the VA evaluates under the General Rating Formula, on visual impairment or on treatment visits, whichever is higher. Without a replacement lens (aphakia), the cataract is evaluated under DC 6029, which has a minimum of 30 percent, unilateral or bilateral.
Are cataracts from blast exposure service-connectable?
Yes. Traumatic cataracts from blasts, shrapnel, or direct eye injury during military service are directly service-connectable with documentation of the in-service event.