Visual Acuity 20/200 and 20/100 — VA Disability Rating (DC 6066)
Diagnostic Code 6066 · 38 CFR §4.79
What Is It?
DC 6069 no longer exists, and the rating did not change with it: 20/200 in one eye with 20/100 in the other is 60 percent, now assigned under DC 6066. 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. The worse eye is at the legal-blindness threshold and the better eye is well past the point where ordinary print and driving become impractical. 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 |
|---|---|
| 60% | Corrected visual acuity of 20/200 (6/60) in one eye with 20/100 (6/30) in the other eye — 60 percent under DC 6066. |
Evidence Needed
Best-corrected visual acuity testing, low-vision rehabilitation records, documentation of assistive devices and services used, evidence of the service-connected cause, and statements regarding functional limitations and employment impact.
C&P Exam Tips
Document all low-vision services and rehabilitation you receive. Describe specific daily activities that require assistance. If you cannot work due to this vision loss, clearly state this and the reasons.
How to File
File for the underlying eye disease or injury and submit best-corrected distance acuity for each eye. Ask the examiner to record both eyes even when only one is claimed — the percentage under DC 6066 is read off the pairing, not off the worse eye alone.
Common Mistakes
Not filing for TDIU and SMC at this level of disability. Not enrolling in VA low-vision rehabilitation services which both help you and document your functional limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my decision cite DC 6069 when that code is gone?
Because the decision predates the December 10, 2008 rewrite, or a later decision carried the old code forward. The award stands. Under 38 CFR § 3.951(a) a schedule readjustment is not by itself grounds for a reduction; VA would need medical evidence of actual improvement.