VASRD 6079 · Eye Conditions
Visual Acuity, Impairment of VA Disability Rating
This code covers vision loss or blurriness that can't be fully corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Because normal refractive errors (like being nearsighted) are correctable and therefore not compensable, the claim depends specifically on showing your best-corrected vision is still impaired.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Visual Acuity, Impairment of
The rating is based on visual acuity measured both before and after correction (with your best glasses or contacts), following specific visual-acuity tables - vision correctable to normal with lenses generally isn't compensable, so the key evidence is your best-corrected acuity score.
Approval outlook
Low – only approved if not correctable by lenses.
Veterans service-connected
~40,000 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.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •A VA or private optometry or ophthalmology exam with detailed acuity testing.
- •Acuity test results specifically showing vision that remains impaired even with glasses or contacts.
Strategy Tips
- •Include vision charts and test dates showing acuity measured with your best possible correction, since the rating is based on corrected, not uncorrected, vision.
- •Explain the functional impact clearly - difficulty driving, reading, or working - since this context supports why the measured acuity loss matters in daily life.
- •Clarify explicitly whether your vision is fully correctable or not, since that distinction determines whether the claim is even compensable.
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Submitting a glasses prescription without the underlying acuity test results, since a prescription alone doesn't show whether vision is correctable to normal.
- •Vision that tests as correctable to normal with lenses, which typically doesn't meet the threshold for this rating regardless of how strong the prescription is.
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Not documenting the actual degree of vision loss with acuity testing, leaving the claim without the measurement this code depends on.
- •Not linking the condition to service or showing progression since discharge, which weakens the service-connection argument even with a real vision impairment.
Onset Patterns
- •Visual acuity impairment can develop from an eye injury, trauma, or an underlying condition, and it may worsen slowly over time rather than appearing suddenly.
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Visual Acuity, Impairment of. Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Visual Acuity, Impairment of
- Is Visual Acuity, Impairment of a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Visual Acuity, Impairment of under VASRD diagnostic code 6079 (Eye Conditions). This code covers vision loss or blurriness that can't be fully corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Because normal refractive errors (like being nearsighted) are correctable and therefore not compensable, the claim d…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Visual Acuity, Impairment of?
- Possible VA ratings for Visual Acuity, Impairment of are 60%, 30%, 10%. Examples: 60%: Nearly blind or functional blindness; 30%: Moderate vision loss; 10%: Some vision loss despite glasses.
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Visual Acuity, Impairment of?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Visual Acuity, Impairment of at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 40,000 veterans are service-connected for Visual Acuity, Impairment of. Estimated approval outlook: Low – only approved if not correctable by lenses.
- What evidence helps prove Visual Acuity, Impairment of for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Visual Acuity, Impairment of claim includes: A VA or private optometry or ophthalmology exam with detailed acuity testing.; Acuity test results specifically showing vision that remains impaired even with glasses or contacts..
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Visual Acuity, Impairment of?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Visual Acuity, Impairment of: Not documenting the actual degree of vision loss with acuity testing, leaving the claim without the measurement this code depends on.; Not linking the condition to service or showing progression since discharge, which weakens the service-connection argument…
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Visual Acuity, Impairment of?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Visual Acuity, Impairment of include: Headaches, Anxiety. 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 6079)
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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