VA Disability Rating for Retinopathy and Maculopathy (DC 6006)
Diagnostic Code 6006 · 38 CFR §4.79
What Is It?
Diagnostic code 6006 is listed in 38 CFR 4.79 as "Retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified," meaning conditions affecting the retina and macula that do not fall under a more specific diagnostic code. Diabetic retinopathy is not rated here: the schedule gives it its own code, DC 6040, which has its own page on this site. Retinal dystrophy, including wet or dry macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, also has its own code, DC 6042. What remains under DC 6006 includes toxic retinopathy from medications or chemical exposures during service, hypertensive retinopathy from service-connected high blood pressure, and direct retinal damage from blast injuries or intense light exposure. These conditions range from mild visual disturbance to severe vision loss or blindness. The VA rates under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye, based on incapacitating episodes or visual impairment, whichever is higher.
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% | Documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months. |
Evidence Needed
Retinal examination findings including fundus photographs or OCT imaging are essential. Visual acuity and visual field testing results document the functional impact. You need documentation of the underlying cause (toxic exposure, hypertension, trauma) and treatment records including injections, laser procedures, or surgeries. Progression documentation showing changes over time strengthens claims for higher ratings. Where the retinopathy follows another service-connected condition, such as hypertension, a medical opinion linking the two is important. Diabetic retinopathy is claimed under DC 6040 instead.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring recent retinal imaging (OCT scans, fundus photos) if available. Have visual acuity test results from your ophthalmologist. Document all treatments received including laser, injections, and surgery, since these count as incapacitating treatment visits. Explain the underlying cause and connect it to service. Describe how vision changes affect reading, driving, and daily tasks.
How to File
File under DC 6006 with retinal examination findings and documentation of the underlying cause. If the retinopathy is secondary to a service-connected condition such as hypertension, file it as a secondary condition with a nexus letter. If it is diabetic retinopathy, file under DC 6040, the schedule's own code for it. The VA may rate based on either incapacitating episodes or visual impairment, whichever is higher. File an Intent to File to preserve your effective date.
Common Mistakes
Not establishing the connection between retinopathy and a service-connected condition like hypertension is the most common mistake. Veterans also often fail to get both visual acuity and visual field testing for the most favorable rating. Not documenting treatment frequency is another problem, since regular injection or laser treatments count as incapacitating episodes. Another is filing diabetic retinopathy under this code: 38 CFR 4.79 lists it separately as DC 6040, so a veteran with service-connected diabetes claims it there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is diabetic retinopathy rated under DC 6006?
No. 38 CFR 4.79 lists diabetic retinopathy under its own code, DC 6040, while DC 6006 covers retinopathy or maculopathy not otherwise specified. Both are evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye, so the percentages are the same; what differs is the code of record. The DC 6040 page explains how diabetic retinopathy is claimed alongside service-connected diabetes.
Can I be rated for retinopathy in addition to the condition that caused it?
Often, yes. Retinopathy secondary to a service-connected condition such as hypertension can be rated under the eye schedule while the underlying condition keeps its own rating, as long as the two evaluations do not rest on the same symptoms. The retinopathy is rated on actual visual impairment or treatment frequency.
Can the VA rate my vision loss separately from the retinal disease?
The VA evaluates retinal conditions either by the disease process (incapacitating episodes under DC 6006) or by the resulting visual impairment (visual acuity or visual field loss), whichever method yields the higher rating. They will use the more favorable approach.