Blindness One Eye, 20/50 Other — VA Disability Rating (DC 6064)
Diagnostic Code 6064 · 38 CFR §4.79
What Is It?
DC 6076 no longer exists, and the rating did not change with it: no more than light perception in one eye with 20/50 in the other is 40 percent, now assigned under DC 6064. 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. Under 38 CFR § 3.350(a)(4), blindness of one eye having only light perception exists when the veteran cannot recognise test letters at one foot and cannot perceive objects, hand movements or counting fingers at three feet. If the eye itself was removed, the code is DC 6063, not this one. 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 |
|---|---|
| 40% | No more than light perception in one eye with corrected visual acuity of 20/50 (6/15) in the other eye — 40 percent under DC 6064. |
Evidence Needed
Documentation confirming no useful vision in the blind eye (light perception only or no light perception), visual acuity of 20/50 in the remaining eye, the service-connected cause of the blindness, and any prosthetic eye records.
C&P Exam Tips
Ensure the examiner specifically documents light perception status in the blind eye. Describe how total loss of one eye affects balance, spatial awareness, driving, and employment. Request that the examiner note SMC-K eligibility for loss of use.
How to File
File for the underlying eye condition and submit acuity for both eyes plus the examiner’s findings on light perception, hand motion and finger counting — those are the findings § 3.350(a)(4) turns on. Footnote 1 marks DC 6064’s 100 percent row for a special monthly compensation review; ask for the review to be addressed in writing.
Common Mistakes
The single biggest mistake is not filing for SMC-K, which provides additional monthly compensation for loss of use of a creative organ (the eye). Not claiming the psychological impact of total unilateral blindness separately is another missed opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
My decision cites DC 6076. Should I do anything?
Nothing is required. The code was retired in the December 10, 2008 eye rewrite and the award stands; 38 CFR § 3.951(a) provides that a schedule readjustment is not grounds for reducing an evaluation in effect unless medical evidence shows actual improvement. If your better eye has since worsened, that is an increase claim, and it would be decided under DC 6064’s current ladder.