Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 6006: Retinal Conditions (Macular Degeneration, Retinopathy) Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.79
- Rating range
- 10% to 60%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Eye conditions
The VA rates Retinal Conditions (Macular Degeneration, Retinopathy) under diagnostic code 6006 in 38 CFR § 4.79. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 6006 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | With visual impairment or incapacitating episodes 1-2 weeks/year What raters look forvisual impairment; 1-2 weeks episodes |
| 20% | Incapacitating episodes 2-4 weeks/year What raters look for2-4 weeks |
| 40% | Incapacitating episodes 4-6 weeks/year What raters look for4-6 weeks |
| 60% | Incapacitating episodes 6+ weeks/year What raters look for6+ weeks |
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Diabetic Retinopathy. The Diabetic Retinopathy condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Diabetic Retinopathy appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 463 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Diabetic Retinopathy as the primary issue. The Diabetic Retinopathy condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: outcomes are coded per case from the Board's published decisions, rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, excluding dismissals. The dataset codes the condition on appeal, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Diabetic Retinopathy appeals generally rather than DC 6006 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 6006?
Diagnostic code 6006 is the VA rating schedule entry for Retinal Conditions (Macular Degeneration, Retinopathy), found in 38 CFR § 4.79. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 6006?
DC 6006 provides ratings of 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 6006 require?
The 60% rating for Retinal Conditions requires: Incapacitating episodes 6+ weeks/year.