Diagnostic Code 6027: Cataract Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.79
- Rating range
- 10% to 60%
- Rating levels
- 4
- Body system
- Eye conditions
The VA rates Cataract under diagnostic code 6027 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 6027 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 6027 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 114 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 6027 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 17.5%, denied 78.1% and sent 4.4% 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 6027 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 Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out.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 Cataracts. The Cataracts condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Cataracts appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 1,779 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Cataracts, 2021 to 2026. The Cataracts 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 Cataracts appeals generally rather than DC 6027 specifically. The DC 6027 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 6027?
Diagnostic code 6027 is the VA rating schedule entry for Cataract, 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 6027?
DC 6027 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 6027 require?
The 60% rating for Cataract 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 6027?
In 112 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 6027 from 2021 to 2026, 17.0% were granted, 78.6% denied and 4.5% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
Free help filing a claim
An accredited veterans service officer (VSO) can file your claim and represent you at no cost. Find a VSO office near you, with phone numbers and addresses in all 50 states and DC.