Diagnostic Code 6006: Retinopathy or Maculopathy, Not Otherwise Specified Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.79
- Rating range
- 10% to 60%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Eye conditions
The VA rates Retinopathy or Maculopathy, Not Otherwise Specified 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 documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months What raters look forat least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits in the past 12 months |
| 20% | With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 3 but less than 5 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months What raters look forat least 3 but less than 5 treatment visits in the past 12 months |
| 40% | With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 5 but less than 7 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months What raters look forat least 5 but less than 7 treatment visits in the past 12 months |
| 60% | With documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months What raters look for7 or more treatment visits in the past 12 months |
DC 6006 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 149 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 6006 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 27.5%, denied 65.8% and sent 6.7% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 6006 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
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 1,349 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Diabetic Retinopathy, 2021 to 2026. The Diabetic Retinopathy condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Diabetic Retinopathy appeals generally rather than DC 6006 specifically. The DC 6006 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. 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 Retinopathy or Maculopathy, Not Otherwise Specified, 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 Retinopathy or Maculopathy requires: With documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months.
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 6006?
In 146 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 6006 from 2021 to 2026, 28.1% were granted, 66.4% denied and 5.5% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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