VA Disability Rating for Retinal Detachment (DC 6008)
Diagnostic Code 6008 · 38 CFR §4.79
What Is It?
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the back wall of the eye, cutting off its blood supply and causing vision loss in the affected area. Without prompt treatment, it can cause permanent blindness in the affected eye. Veterans may experience retinal detachment from blast injuries, head trauma, high myopia aggravated by service conditions, or as a complication of other service-connected eye conditions. Treatment involves emergency surgery, but even with successful repair, some degree of permanent vision loss is common. The VA rates this under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | Seven or more incapacitating episodes requiring treatment visits during the past 12 months, or visual impairment equivalent to this level. |
| 40% | At least five but fewer than seven treatment visits for incapacitating episodes during the past 12 months. |
| 20% | At least three but fewer than five treatment visits for incapacitating episodes during the past 12 months. |
| 10% | At least one but fewer than three treatment visits for incapacitating episodes during the past 12 months. |
Evidence Needed
Ophthalmology records documenting the retinal detachment diagnosis are essential. Surgical reports from repair procedures, pre-detachment and post-repair visual acuity testing, visual field testing showing any areas of permanent vision loss, and documentation of the in-service event causing or contributing to the detachment all strengthen your claim.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring surgical reports from the retinal repair procedure. Have both visual acuity and visual field test results available. Describe areas of permanent vision loss that remain after repair. Mention any ongoing restrictions such as no heavy lifting or contact sports. Report any symptoms suggesting re-detachment like flashes, floaters, or curtain effect.
How to File
File under DC 6008 with surgical records and visual function testing. The VA may rate based on either the disease process (incapacitating episodes) or the resulting visual impairment, whichever provides a higher rating. Claim surgical complications like cataracts and glaucoma as secondary conditions.
Common Mistakes
Not getting comprehensive visual field testing to map areas of permanent vision loss is the most common mistake. Filing only under the detachment code when rating by visual impairment would yield more is another frequent error. Veterans also often fail to claim surgery-related cataracts as a secondary condition and forget to connect the detachment to an in-service head or eye injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a retinal detachment be caused by a blast injury?
Yes. Blast waves can cause retinal tears and detachment through rapid pressure changes affecting the eye. This is a well-documented mechanism in military medicine. If you experienced a blast event during service and later developed a retinal detachment, this connection should be documented in your claim.
Does successful repair mean my rating will be low?
Not necessarily. Even successful retinal reattachment surgery often leaves residual areas of vision loss, distortion, or reduced visual acuity. The VA rates based on your actual visual function after repair, not simply whether the retina was reattached.