VA Disability Rating for Retinal Scars and Irregularities (DC 6011)
Diagnostic Code 6011 · 38 CFR §4.79
What Is It?
Diagnostic code 6011 covers permanent retinal damage in the form of scars, areas of atrophy (tissue thinning or death), and structural irregularities. These changes represent the end result of various injuries or diseases that have damaged the retina. In veterans, retinal scarring can result from laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy, healed retinal detachment repairs, trauma from blast injuries, resolved infections, or other retinal conditions. The visual impact depends on the location of the scars. The CFR provides a specific 10% rating for centrally located scars, atrophy, or irregularities that result in an irregular, duplicated, enlarged, or diminished image. Alternatively, the condition can be evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye if that produces a higher rating.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | Alternatively, if the General Rating Formula produces a higher rating: seven or more incapacitating episodes requiring treatment visits during the past 12 months, or equivalent visual impairment. |
| 40% | Under the General Rating Formula alternative: at least five but fewer than seven treatment visits during the past 12 months. |
| 20% | Under the General Rating Formula alternative: at least three but fewer than five treatment visits during the past 12 months. |
| 10% | Localized scars, atrophy, or irregularities of the retina (unilateral or bilateral) that are centrally located and result in an irregular, duplicated, enlarged, or diminished image. This is the specific rating under DC 6011. |
Evidence Needed
Retinal examination with fundus photography showing scar locations and extent is essential. OCT imaging documenting retinal thinning or structural changes, visual acuity testing with best corrected results, visual field testing mapping the functional impact of the scars, and documentation connecting the scarring to a service-connected event or condition all strengthen your claim.
C&P Exam Tips
Request that retinal photos clearly show the scar locations relative to the macula. Get both visual acuity and visual field testing since the VA uses whichever yields a higher rating. Describe functional limitations such as difficulty reading, driving, or recognizing faces. If scars are from laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy, connect to service-connected diabetes. Mention if scars are progressive or if new areas of atrophy are developing.
How to File
File under DC 6011 or alternatively under the visual impairment codes based on acuity and field loss, whichever yields the higher rating. Include retinal imaging and comprehensive visual function testing. Connect the scarring to its service-connected cause.
Common Mistakes
Not getting visual field testing in addition to visual acuity testing is the most common mistake. Filing only under DC 6011 when the visual impairment codes might rate higher is another frequent error. Failing to document the progressive nature if scars are expanding, and not connecting laser treatment scars to the underlying service-connected condition, are also commonly seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are laser scars from diabetic retinopathy treatment ratable?
Yes. Laser photocoagulation scars are permanent retinal damage. If the laser treatment was for service-connected diabetic retinopathy, the resulting scars and any associated visual field loss can be rated as secondary to the diabetes. Peripheral laser scars can cause significant visual field constriction.
How does the VA rate central versus peripheral retinal scars?
Location matters significantly. Central macular scars directly affect reading vision and detail recognition, causing higher functional impairment. Peripheral scars primarily affect side vision. The VA evaluates both through visual acuity testing (central impact) and visual field testing (peripheral impact). The specific 10% under DC 6011 applies to centrally located scars causing image distortion.