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.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 6011

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.79, DC 6011. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

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 →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR) or rated under the same body system.

Tinnitus

DC 6260·Organs of Sense

Bilateral Hearing Loss

DC 6100·Organs of Sense

Meniere's Disease (Endolymphatic Hydrops)

DC 6205·Organs of Sense

Dry Eye Syndrome

DC 6025·Organs of Sense

Glaucoma

DC 6012·Organs of Sense

Cataracts

DC 6027·Organs of Sense

Peripheral Vestibular Disorder

DC 6204·Organs of Sense

Diabetic Retinopathy

DC 6006·Organs of Sense

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6011

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

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.