VA Disability Rating for Malignant Eye Neoplasms (DC 6014)
Diagnostic Code 6014 · 38 CFR §4.79
What Is It?
This diagnostic code covers malignant (cancerous) tumors of the eye, the eye socket (orbit), and surrounding structures (adnexa), excluding skin cancers. The most common types include ocular melanoma, retinoblastoma, lymphoma of the orbit, and squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva. In veterans, these cancers may be linked to radiation exposure, chemical exposures, or UV radiation during service. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or removal of the eye (enucleation). The VA assigns an automatic 100% rating for malignant neoplasms requiring systemic-level therapy. For those not requiring such extensive therapy, the VA separately evaluates visual and nonvisual impairment. After treatment, the 100% rating continues for six months before mandatory re-examination.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Malignant neoplasms requiring therapy comparable to systemic malignancies (systemic chemotherapy, extensive radiation, or surgery more extensive than enucleation) receive a mandatory 100% rating that continues through treatment and for six months after cessation. After that period, a mandatory VA examination determines the appropriate rating based on residuals. Malignant neoplasms not requiring such extensive therapy are evaluated based on separate visual and nonvisual impairment. |
Evidence Needed
A pathology report confirming the malignant diagnosis is essential. Ophthalmology or oncology treatment records, surgical records if excision or enucleation was performed, documentation connecting the cancer to a service-related cause, and post-treatment evaluations for residual disability all strengthen your claim.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring the pathology report confirming the malignant diagnosis. Have treatment records including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy documentation. If the eye was removed, document the anatomical loss for special monthly compensation. Describe all residual effects including vision loss, disfigurement, and chronic pain. Mention any exposure during service that may have contributed.
How to File
File under DC 6014 with the pathology report and treatment records. After the mandatory 100% period, the VA will re-evaluate based on residual disability. File for special monthly compensation if an eye was removed. Establish service connection through exposure documentation.
Common Mistakes
Not filing for special monthly compensation after eye removal is the most common mistake. Veterans also frequently fail to claim facial disfigurement separately, to document environmental exposures during service that may have caused the cancer, and to prepare for the post-treatment re-evaluation by documenting all residual disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the 100% rating last?
The 100% rating continues through active treatment requiring systemic-level therapy. After treatment ends, a mandatory VA examination is scheduled six months later. If the cancer is in remission, the rating transitions to one based on residual disability including vision loss, anatomical loss, disfigurement, and other lasting effects.
What if my eye had to be removed?
Enucleation (eye removal) qualifies for a schedular disability rating plus special monthly compensation for anatomical loss of one eye. A prosthetic eye is provided by the VA. Additional ratings apply for any visual impairment in the remaining eye.