Diagnostic Code 6012: Glaucoma. Angle-Closure Rating Criteria

CFR section: 38 CFR § 4.79
Rating range: 10%
Rating levels: 1
Body system: Eye conditions

The VA rates Glaucoma. Angle-Closure under diagnostic code 6012 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 6012 rating criteria

Rating	Criteria
10%	Minimum evaluation if continuous medication is required What raters look forcontinuous medication required

Notes on how DC 6012 is applied

DC 6012 has a 10 percent minimum if continuous medication is required. Its formula levels are 10 percent for incapacitating episodes requiring at least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits in the past 12 months, 20 percent for at least 3 but less than 5, 40 percent for at least 5 but less than 7, and 60 percent for 7 or more. Rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye (38 CFR § 4.79): evaluate on the basis of either visual impairment due to the particular condition or incapacitating episodes, whichever results in a higher evaluation. An incapacitating episode is an eye condition severe enough to require a clinic visit to a provider specifically for treatment purposes (Note (1)). Examples of treatment include systemic immunosuppressants or biologic agents, intravitreal or periocular injections, laser treatments, or other surgical interventions (Note (2)). Visual impairment is evaluated under §§ 4.75-4.78 and DCs 6061-6091 (Note (3)).

Condition guide

The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Glaucoma. The Glaucoma condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.

What happens to Glaucoma appeals at the Board

14.2%Granted

30.5%Denied

55.2%Remanded

Claim Raven's analysis of 1,818 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Glaucoma, 2021 to 2026. The Glaucoma 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 Glaucoma appeals generally rather than DC 6012 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.

Frequently asked questions

What is VA diagnostic code 6012?

Diagnostic code 6012 is the VA rating schedule entry for Glaucoma. Angle-Closure, 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 6012?

DC 6012 provides ratings of 10%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.

What does the highest rating under DC 6012 require?

The 10% rating for Glaucoma. Angle-Closure requires: Minimum evaluation if continuous medication is required.

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Other eye conditions codes

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Claim Raven is not legal or medical advice and is not an official VA application. Rating criteria are quoted from 38 CFR Part 4; the VA applies them to your specific record. Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then 1