VA Disability Rating for Visual Field Defects (DC 6080)
Diagnostic Code 6080 · 38 CFR §4.76
What Is It?
Visual field defects involve the loss of portions of your peripheral or central vision due to damage anywhere along the visual pathway, from the eye itself to the brain. Common causes in veterans include glaucoma, retinal damage, optic nerve injuries, traumatic brain injury affecting the visual cortex, and stroke. Unlike visual acuity (which measures how sharply you see), visual field testing measures how wide your field of vision extends. The VA rates visual field defects based on the average remaining visual field measured in degrees, with specific ratings for different levels of concentric contraction and for hemianopsia.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Bilateral concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less. |
| 70% | Bilateral concentric contraction to 6-15 degrees. |
| 50% | Bilateral concentric contraction to 16-30 degrees. |
| 30% | Bilateral concentric contraction to 31-45 degrees, or homonymous hemianopsia. |
| 10% | Bilateral concentric contraction to 46-60 degrees, or loss of the temporal or inferior/superior half of visual field in one eye. |
Evidence Needed
Formal visual field testing (Goldmann or Humphrey automated perimetry) for each eye is essential. Documentation of the cause of the visual field loss, serial visual field tests showing progression if applicable, brain imaging if TBI or stroke is the underlying cause, and ophthalmology or neurology records explaining the visual pathway damage all strengthen your claim.
C&P Exam Tips
Visual field testing is the single most important test, so ensure it is done properly for each eye. Be honest and consistent during the test, as unreliable results delay your claim. If you have a homonymous hemianopsia from TBI or stroke, ensure both eyes are tested. Describe functional problems such as bumping into things, difficulty driving, and limited side vision.
How to File
File under DC 6080 with formal visual field testing results. The VA calculates the average remaining field in each eye and applies the rating criteria. If the field loss is from a TBI or stroke, connect it to the service-connected brain injury. Ensure testing is done with Goldmann or Humphrey perimetry.
Common Mistakes
Not having formal visual field testing done is the most common mistake. Having unreliable test results from inconsistent responses during perimetry, not connecting homonymous hemianopsia to the underlying TBI or stroke, and filing only under the eye disease code when the visual field code would rate higher are other frequent errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is homonymous hemianopsia?
It is the loss of the same half of the visual field in both eyes, typically the right or left half. This pattern indicates damage to the brain's visual processing areas rather than the eyes themselves. It is commonly caused by TBI or stroke and rated at a minimum of 30% under DC 6080.
How is the visual field measured for VA purposes?
The VA uses the average remaining visual field, calculated by measuring the extent of vision in eight principal meridians from the center of fixation for each eye. The measurements are averaged to get a single number in degrees for each eye, which determines the rating.
Can I get rated for both visual field loss and visual acuity loss?
The VA typically rates the overall visual impairment using whichever method provides the higher rating, not both combined. However, the underlying condition causing both can be separately rated under its disease-specific code if that yields a higher total.