Visual Acuity 20/100 Bilateral — VA Disability Rating (DC 6066)
Diagnostic Code 6066 · 38 CFR §4.79
What Is It?
DC 6067 no longer exists, and the rating did not change with it: corrected visual acuity of 20/100 in both eyes is 50 percent, now assigned under DC 6066, "Visual acuity in one eye 10/200 (3/60) or better." VA rewrote the eye schedule effective December 10, 2008 (73 FR 66543) and collapsed the old one-combination-per-code central-visual-acuity block into DCs 6061 through 6066. By its own terms that rewrite applies to all applications for benefits received on or after December 10, 2008. If you already hold a rating under the retired code, 38 CFR § 3.951(a) is the provision that matters: a readjustment to the rating schedule is not by itself grounds for reducing an evaluation already in effect unless medical evidence shows the disability has actually improved. The diagnostic code still appears in this page’s web address because that address has not changed; the code the page teaches has. At this level faces are hard to recognise beyond a few feet, reading needs large print or magnification, and most work requiring visual detail becomes very difficult. Two provisions decide most one-eye claims. Under 38 CFR § 4.75(c), if only one eye is service-connected the other eye is considered to be 20/40 — subject to § 3.383(a). Under § 4.75(d), visual impairment of one eye alone cannot exceed 30 percent unless there is anatomical loss of the eye. Acuity is measured corrected, at distance, with central fixation (§ 4.76(b)(1)).
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 50% | Corrected visual acuity of 20/100 (6/30) in one eye with 20/100 (6/30) in the other eye — 50 percent under DC 6066. |
Evidence Needed
Best-corrected visual acuity testing in each eye, documentation of the service-connected cause, records of magnification aids or assistive devices used, and evidence of occupational limitations.
C&P Exam Tips
Document all assistive devices you use (magnifiers, large-print settings, screen readers). Describe how this vision level prevents or limits employment. Ensure the examiner tests with your best available correction.
How to File
File VA Form 21-526EZ for the underlying eye condition and let the rater apply the acuity table — you do not file for a diagnostic code. Attach best-corrected distance acuity for each eye from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. At 50 percent for vision alone, consider TDIU if this combined with your other service-connected conditions keeps you out of substantially gainful employment.
Common Mistakes
Not pursuing TDIU when bilateral 20/100 combined with other conditions prevents competitive employment. Not documenting all adaptive equipment and workplace limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
My rating decision says DC 6067. Is it still valid?
Yes. A retired diagnostic code on an existing decision does not invalidate the award, and it does not on its own justify a reduction — 38 CFR § 3.951(a) says a readjustment to the rating schedule is not grounds for reducing an evaluation in effect unless medical evidence shows actual improvement. If the evaluation has been continuously at or above its level for 20 years or more, § 3.951(b) protects it absent fraud.
Is 20/100 in both eyes legally blind?
No. Legal blindness is 20/200 or worse in the better eye with best correction. 20/100 bilateral sits below that threshold but is still severely disabling and rates at 50 percent.