VASRD 6029 · Organs of Special Sense

Retinitis VA Disability Rating

Inflammation of the retina causing vision problems or blindness.

VA Rating Tiers

RatingCriteria
10%Mild vision impairment with retinal damage
30%Moderate central vision loss
60%Severe impairment with peripheral vision loss
90%Bilateral blindness (legal)
100%Total blindness with atrophy of optic nerves

How the VA Evaluates Retinitis

Ophthalmological exam, visual field test, retinal imaging.

Approval rate

Moderate

Annual service-connected

1,600 veterans

Average rating

60%

Best Evidence to Gather

  • Retinal scans
  • VA eye exam
  • Ophthalmologist diagnosis

Strategy Tips

  • Document progressive decline
  • Include visual field maps

C&P Exam Pitfalls

  • Overlooking peripheral loss
  • Incomplete field test data

Common Filing Mistakes

  • Relying on outdated vision tests
  • Lack of specialist documentation

Onset Patterns

  • Post-infection
  • Gradual with flare-ups

Secondary Conditions

Conditions commonly linked to Retinitis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.

Common Among These Military Jobs

Military occupational specialties (MOS) where Retinitis is frequently claimed.

Common questions about Retinitis

Is Retinitis a VA-rated disability?
Yes. The VA rates Retinitis under VASRD diagnostic code 6029 (Organs of Special Sense). Inflammation of the retina causing vision problems or blindness.
What VA disability rating can I get for Retinitis?
Possible VA ratings for Retinitis are 10%, 30%, 60%, 90%, 100%. Examples: 10% — Mild vision impairment with retinal damage; 30% — Moderate central vision loss; 60% — Severe impairment with peripheral vision loss.
What's the typical VA rating awarded for Retinitis?
The average awarded rating for Retinitis is 60%. Roughly 1,600 veterans are service-connected for Retinitis each year. Typical approval likelihood: Moderate.
What evidence helps prove Retinitis for VA disability?
Strong evidence for a Retinitis claim includes: Retinal scans; VA eye exam; Ophthalmologist diagnosis.
What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Retinitis?
Common pitfalls when filing for Retinitis: Relying on outdated vision tests; Lack of specialist documentation.
What conditions are commonly secondary to Retinitis?
Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Retinitis include: , , . Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.

Estimate your combined rating

See how Retinitis combines with your other service-connected conditions using the official VA combined-ratings formula.

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