Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

DC 6066Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6066

Reduced vision in one eye that develops when the brain favors the other eye. While often developmental, it can worsen from service-connected conditions or TBI. Rated based on visual acuity in the affected eye.

Rating Levels

Your amblyopia causes severe visual impairment. Your visual acuity in the affected eye is 20/200 with 20/40 or better in the other eye.

What the VA looks for

Visual acuity of 20/200 in affected eye documented
Other eye 20/40 or better
Best-corrected visual acuity testing performed
Near-legal blindness in affected eye
Major impact on occupational functioning

Common Pitfalls

⚠The VA may consider amblyopia a pre-existing developmental condition — you need evidence that military service aggravated it or that it worsened due to a service-connected condition.
⚠Not documenting best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) — the rating is based on vision with best correction.
⚠Not connecting worsening amblyopia to a service-connected traumatic brain injury, which can aggravate the condition.
⚠If the good eye has any impairment, the combined rating is much higher — make sure both eyes are fully evaluated.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Eye Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…