Cataract DC 6027
VA rates it under diagnostic code 6027 in 38 CFR 4.79. Body system: Eyes & vision.
Also searched as: cataracts.
How VA rates it
The schedule has no fixed list of levels for this code, so any level from 0% to 100% can apply.
Rated on visual impairment or on treatment visits, whichever is higher.
Source: 38 CFR 4.79 on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
This code is rated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye (38 CFR 4.79).
The schedule rates this as DC 6029 (Aphakia or dislocation of crystalline lens).
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 60% | With documented incapacitating episodes requiring 7 or more treatment visits for an eye condition during 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 |
| 20% | With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 3 but less than 5 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months |
| 10% | With documented incapacitating episodes requiring at least 1 but less than 3 treatment visits for an eye condition during the past 12 months |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.79, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Preoperative: Evaluate under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye
Postoperative: If a replacement lens is present (pseudophakia), evaluate under the General Rating Formula for Diseases of the Eye. If there is no replacement lens, evaluate based on aphakia (diagnostic code 6029)
Commonly claimed as secondary to
If one of these is already service connected, you may be able to claim this condition as secondary to it.
Diabetes (type 2) DC 7913 Established link
Diabetes raises the risk of cataracts.
What to gather: An eye exam documenting cataracts and a medical opinion linking them to your diabetes.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310 (secondary service connection); NEI (NIH): Cataracts; 38 CFR 4.79
Related medications
Medications that can cause or worsen it
If you take one of these for a service-connected condition, this condition may be claimable as secondary to that condition. You need a diagnosis, your prescription records, and a medical opinion.
Oral and injected steroids (for example prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone) Established link
Long-term steroid use can cause cataracts, which is a labeled side effect.
Sources: FDA label: Prednisone (DailyMed)
Inhaled and nasal steroids (for example fluticasone, budesonide, beclomethasone, mometasone) Possible link
Inhaled steroid labels warn about cataracts with long-term use.
Sources: FDA label: Fluticasone (DailyMed)
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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