Diabetic retinopathy DC 6040
VA rates it under diagnostic code 6040 in 38 CFR 4.79. Body system: Eyes & vision.
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).
| 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.
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 Rated separately
Eye damage from diabetes (diabetic retinopathy) is rated under its own eye code.
What to gather: A diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy from a dilated eye exam in your records. Compensable diabetes complications get their own rating; ones rated 0% are counted as part of your diabetes rating.
Sources: 38 CFR 4.119, DC 7913 Note (1): rate compensable diabetes complications separately; NEI (NIH): Diabetic retinopathy; 38 CFR 4.79
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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