Diagnostic code
Diagnostic Code 6013: Glaucoma, Open-Angle Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.79
- Rating range
- 10% to 60%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Eye conditions
The VA rates Glaucoma, Open-Angle under diagnostic code 6013 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 6013 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Minimum evaluation if continuous medication is required; otherwise rate on visual impairment or on incapacitating episodes (1 to 2 treatment visits in the past 12 months) What raters look forcontinuous medication minimum; 1-2 incapacitating episodes |
| 20% | Incapacitating episodes requiring 3 to 4 treatment visits in the past 12 months What raters look for3-4 episodes/year |
| 40% | Incapacitating episodes requiring 5 to 6 treatment visits in the past 12 months What raters look for5-6 episodes/year |
| 60% | Incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits in the past 12 months What raters look for7+ episodes/year |
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
Claim Raven's analysis of 500 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals cases with Glaucoma as the primary issue. The Glaucoma 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 Glaucoma appeals generally rather than DC 6013 specifically. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 6013?
Diagnostic code 6013 is the VA rating schedule entry for Glaucoma, Open-Angle, 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 6013?
DC 6013 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 6013 require?
The 60% rating for Glaucoma, Open-Angle requires: Incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits in the past 12 months.