Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR)

DC 6011Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6011

Fluid buildup under the retina causing blurred or distorted vision, often linked to high stress levels. Common in high-stress military occupations. Rated based on visual acuity impairment.

Rating Levels

Your central serous retinopathy has caused significant visual impairment. Your visual acuity is 20/100 in one eye with 20/40 or better in the other.

What the VA looks for

Visual acuity of 20/100 in affected eye documented
Other eye 20/40 or better
OCT imaging confirming chronic or recurring CSR
Significant functional impact on daily activities
History of multiple CSR episodes documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠CSR may recur — document all episodes even if vision temporarily improves between flare-ups.
⚠The stress connection to CSR is well-documented in medical literature, but the VA may not recognize it — get a medical opinion specifically linking military stress to CSR.
⚠Not getting OCT (optical coherence tomography) imaging showing retinal changes, which is the key diagnostic evidence.
⚠Residual metamorphopsia (distorted vision) may persist even when visual acuity test numbers improve — document distortion symptoms separately.

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…