VA Disability Rating for Open-Angle Glaucoma (DC 6013)
Diagnostic Code 6013 · 38 CFR §4.79
What Is It?
VA rates open-angle glaucoma under 38 CFR 4.79, DC 6013, with a minimum 10 percent evaluation if continuous medication is required. Above that floor, the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye rates either incapacitating episodes (10, 20, 40 or 60 percent by the number of treatment visits in the past 12 months) or visual impairment, whichever results in a higher evaluation. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma, where the eye's drainage system gradually becomes less efficient, causing pressure buildup that damages the optic nerve. The damage causes progressive, irreversible visual field loss that typically starts with peripheral vision and can advance to tunnel vision or blindness. Open-angle glaucoma is particularly insidious because it usually has no symptoms until significant damage has occurred. In veterans, it may develop from eye trauma during service, steroid medications for service-connected conditions, or may be claimed if military service aggravated a pre-existing tendency.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | 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% | Minimum evaluation if continuous medication is required. The General Rating Formula also assigns 10 percent for documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. |
Evidence Needed
An ophthalmology diagnosis of open-angle glaucoma is required. Serial visual field tests (Humphrey or Goldmann) showing progression over time are the most important evidence. Intraocular pressure measurements and optic nerve evaluations, OCT imaging of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer, and treatment records including medications and any surgical procedures all strengthen your claim.
C&P Exam Tips
Visual field testing is often the test that matters most for a rating above the 10 percent minimum, so make sure it is done properly. Bring serial visual field tests showing progression over time. Have a complete list of glaucoma medications with compliance documentation. If you have had glaucoma surgery, bring surgical reports. Describe how visual field loss affects driving, navigating, and peripheral awareness.
How to File
File under DC 6013 with serial visual field tests, pressure measurements, and optic nerve imaging. Above the 10 percent minimum, glaucoma is rated on visual impairment or incapacitating episodes, whichever is higher, and glaucoma usually shows up first as visual field loss, so comprehensive visual field testing matters. If glaucoma is secondary to steroid use for another service-connected condition, include that nexus connection.
Common Mistakes
Not having visual field testing done is the most common mistake, since visual impairment, including field loss, is one of the two ways the schedule rates glaucoma above the 10 percent minimum. Relying on pressure measurements alone (which do not correlate directly with disability ratings), not documenting the connection to steroid medications from other service-connected conditions, and failing to request re-evaluation as the disease progresses over time are other frequent errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the VA rate visual field loss from glaucoma?
The VA uses formal visual field testing (typically Humphrey automated perimetry) to measure the remaining visual field in degrees. Under 38 CFR 4.77, the average concentric contraction is found by measuring the remaining field at eight principal meridians 45 degrees apart, adding them, and dividing by eight. More constricted fields yield higher ratings, and DC 6080 assigns 100 percent where the remaining field is 5 degrees in both eyes.
Can steroid eye drops for another condition cause glaucoma?
Yes. Corticosteroid medications, including eye drops prescribed for other eye conditions, are a well-known cause of secondary glaucoma. If you developed elevated eye pressure and glaucoma while using steroids for a service-connected condition, the glaucoma can be claimed as secondary.
Can I get a rating for glaucoma with normal pressure?
Yes. Normal-tension glaucoma still causes optic nerve damage and visual field loss. The VA rates based on the resulting vision impairment, not the pressure level itself.
Is glaucoma connected to Agent Orange or toxic exposure?
While glaucoma is not on the presumptive list for Agent Orange, individual claims can still be filed with medical evidence showing a connection to toxic exposures during service.
Can glaucoma be secondary to diabetes?
Yes. Diabetic eye disease can lead to neovascular glaucoma. If your diabetes is service-connected, you can claim glaucoma as a secondary condition with appropriate medical evidence.