VASRD 6029 · Organs of Special Sense
Retinitis VA Disability Rating
Inflammation of the retina causing vision problems or blindness.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Retinitis
The rating ranges from mild vision impairment with retinal damage at the lowest tier, through moderate central and severe peripheral vision loss, up to total blindness with optic nerve atrophy at the highest tier, confirmed through ophthalmological exam, visual field testing, and retinal imaging.
Approval outlook
Moderate
Veterans service-connected
~1,600 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~60%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •Retinal scans documenting the extent of damage.
- •A VA eye exam assessing current vision.
- •An ophthalmologist's diagnosis and treatment history.
Strategy Tips
- •Document the progressive decline of your vision over time, since retinitis often worsens gradually and a single exam may not reflect the full trajectory.
- •Include visual field maps alongside retinal imaging, since both central and peripheral vision loss factor into the rating.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Overlooking peripheral vision loss when focusing only on central vision.
- •Incomplete visual field test data.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Relying on outdated vision tests that don't reflect the condition's current state.
- •Lack of specialist documentation confirming the retinitis diagnosis.
Onset Patterns
- •Retinitis can follow an infection or progress gradually with periodic flare-ups affecting vision.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Retinitis. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Depression
Headaches
Disorientation
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 100%, 90%, 60%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 100%: Total blindness with atrophy of optic nerves; 90%: Bilateral blindness (legal); 60%: Severe impairment with peripheral vision loss.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Retinitis?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Retinitis at around 60%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 1,600 veterans are service-connected for Retinitis. Estimated approval outlook: Moderate.
- What evidence helps prove Retinitis for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Retinitis claim includes: Retinal scans documenting the extent of damage.; A VA eye exam assessing current vision.; An ophthalmologist's diagnosis and treatment history..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Retinitis?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Retinitis: Relying on outdated vision tests that don't reflect the condition's current state.; Lack of specialist documentation confirming the retinitis diagnosis..
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Retinitis?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Retinitis include: Depression, Headaches, Disorientation. 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 6029)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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