VASRD 6012 · Organs of Special Sense
Glaucoma, angle-closure VA Disability Rating
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the eye's drainage angle is blocked and pressure builds inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve. It is diagnostic code 6012, and the schedule gives it the same rating instruction as open-angle glaucoma (DC 6013).
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Glaucoma, angle-closure
DC 6012 and DC 6013 carry no rating criteria of their own. Each reads: "Evaluate under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye. Minimum evaluation if continuous medication is required — 10." That formula is evaluated "on the basis of either visual impairment due to the particular condition or on incapacitating episodes, whichever results in a higher evaluation," so there are two routes and VA applies the one that pays more. The incapacitating-episodes route is the ladder in the table above and stops at 60 percent; an incapacitating episode is defined as "an eye condition severe enough to require a clinic visit to a provider specifically for treatment purposes." The visual-impairment route is rated under separate diagnostic codes — impairment of central visual acuity (DCs 6061-6066), visual fields (DC 6080), or muscle function (DC 6090) — and is the only route that reaches 30, 70, 80, 90 or 100 percent. Two limits govern it: where only one eye is service-connected the other eye is considered to be 20/40 (38 CFR 4.75(c)), and "the evaluation for visual impairment of one eye must not exceed 30 percent unless there is anatomical loss of the eye" (38 CFR 4.75(d)).
Approval outlook
Moderate
Veterans service-connected
~33,000 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~10%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
Email me this Glaucoma, angle-closure guide
Get the Glaucoma, angle-closure rating criteria, evidence checklist, and strategy tips delivered to your inbox so you can review them anytime.
Best Evidence to Gather
- •An ophthalmologist's report documenting the glaucoma diagnosis and eye pressure readings.
- •Visual field testing showing the extent of any vision loss caused by optic nerve damage.
Strategy Tips
- •Document the condition's progression over time with regular eye exams, since a single visit often can't show whether the glaucoma is stable or worsening.
- •Include a record of eye pressure readings and any treatment plan (drops, laser treatment, or surgery), since ongoing management is evidence of an active, chronic condition.
- •Make sure visual field testing is part of your evidence, since this is the specific test that measures the vision loss the rating schedule looks for.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •An exam that shows normal vision at that particular visit, which can understate a condition that fluctuates or progresses slowly over time.
- •Not including actual eye pressure readings, since elevated pressure is central to confirming and tracking this diagnosis.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Submitting a claim without a formal vision test, leaving no objective measurement of the condition's severity.
- •Not providing clear proof connecting the condition to service, since without that link, even a well-documented diagnosis may not establish service connection.
Onset Patterns
- •Angle-closure glaucoma typically develops from a gradual buildup of eye pressure that often goes unnoticed until a routine eye exam catches it or vision loss becomes apparent.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Glaucoma, angle-closure. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Blindness
Optic neuropathy
Common questions about Glaucoma, angle-closure
- Is Glaucoma, angle-closure a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Glaucoma, angle-closure under VASRD diagnostic code 6012 (Organs of Special Sense). Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the eye's drainage angle is blocked and pressure builds inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve. It is diagnostic code 6012, and the schedule gives it the same rating instruction as…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Glaucoma, angle-closure?
- Possible VA ratings for Glaucoma, angle-closure are 60%, 40%, 20%, 10%, 0%. Examples: 60%: 7 or more treatment visits in a year; 40%: 5 or 6 treatment visits in a year; 20%: 3 or 4 treatment visits in a year.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Glaucoma, angle-closure?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Glaucoma, angle-closure at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 33,000 veterans are service-connected for Glaucoma, angle-closure. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate.
- What evidence helps prove Glaucoma, angle-closure for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Glaucoma, angle-closure claim includes: An ophthalmologist's report documenting the glaucoma diagnosis and eye pressure readings.; Visual field testing showing the extent of any vision loss caused by optic nerve damage..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Glaucoma, angle-closure?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Glaucoma, angle-closure: Submitting a claim without a formal vision test, leaving no objective measurement of the condition's severity.; Not providing clear proof connecting the condition to service, since without that link, even a well-documented diagnosis may not establish service con…
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Glaucoma, angle-closure?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Glaucoma, angle-closure include: Blindness, Optic neuropathy. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.79 — Schedule of ratings — eye conditions (Diagnostic Code 6012)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
Estimate your combined rating
See how Glaucoma, angle-closure combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.
Open the calculator
VA Calc: Disability Pay
Combine your ratings & see monthly pay on your iPhone · Works offline