Claim Raven explanation
What this means
This section provides the normal visual-field extent at eight principal directions and the method for calculating average concentric contraction. The result helps translate field loss into a figure used by the rating schedule.
The calculation depends on complete, correctly recorded field measurements. A statement that peripheral vision is reduced does not supply the individual measurements needed to reproduce the calculation.
How this helps your claim
This helps you understand the worksheet or chart behind a visual-field evaluation. Use the professional test record to check the inputs, while leaving medical interpretation to the qualified examiner.
What to check in your records
Use your decision, examination reports, and relevant records to check the following points.
- Find the visual-field chart and measurements at the eight directions.
- Check the calculation of total remaining field and its average.
- Compare the resulting value with the rating criteria used for each eye.
Check the measurements behind the average
Average concentric contraction is calculated from field measurements in specified directions. A final average is easier to assess when the underlying values are also present. Keep the examination diagram and recorded measurements together rather than relying only on a summary percentage.
The section's normal values provide the comparison used in the calculation. Missing or mislabeled directional measurements can make a result difficult to reproduce. A personal description of peripheral-vision difficulty can explain daily effects but cannot supply the clinical measurements needed for the formula.
Can I estimate the average from how narrow my vision feels?
No. The calculation depends on the specified measured field extents. Everyday observations are useful context, but they do not replace a properly performed and recorded visual-field examination. Use the official table to understand the professional results rather than create an unsupported numerical estimate.
Official regulatory text
38 CFR § 4.76a
eCFR snapshot: September 3, 2026. Layout and spacing are adapted for reading. The full section and its tables are included below.
§ 4.76a Computation of average concentric contraction of visual fields.
Table III—Normal Visual Field Extent at 8 Principal Meridians
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| Meridian | Normal degrees |
|---|---|
| Temporally | 85 |
| Down temporally | 85 |
| Down | 65 |
| Down nasally | 50 |
| Nasally | 60 |
| Up nasally | 55 |
| Up | 45 |
| Up temporally | 55 |
| Total | 500 |
Example of computation of concentric contraction under the schedule with abnormal findings taken from Figure 1.
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| Loss | Degrees |
|---|---|
| Temporally | 55 |
| Down temporally | 55 |
| Down | 45 |
| Down nasally | 30 |
| Nasally | 40 |
| Up nasally | 35 |
| Up | 25 |
| Up temporally | 35 |
| Total loss | 320 |
| Remaining field 500° minus 320° = 180°. 180° ÷ 8 = 22 1 ⁄ 2 ° average concentric contraction. | |
(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1155)
[43 FR 45352, Oct. 2, 1978, as amended at 73 FR 66549, Nov. 10, 2008]
Original official figures and tables
These images are part of the official section. Open an original to inspect it at full size.
Related references
- 38 USC § 1155: The law behind VA disability rating percentages
- 38 CFR § 4.1: What a VA disability rating measures
- 38 CFR § 3.159: VA duty to assist: records and examinations
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