Corneal Scar Residuals

DC 6009Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6009

Scarring on the clear front surface of the eye (cornea) that affects your vision. Corneal scars can result from injuries, infections, or chemical exposure during military service. The VA rates corneal scars based on how much they reduce your visual acuity.

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 6009

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.79, DC 6009. 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

You have a corneal scar causing corrected vision of 20/200 in the affected eye, making you legally blind in that eye. You may need a corneal transplant.

What the VA looks for

Corrected visual acuity 20/200 in affected eye
Dense central corneal scar documented
Legal blindness in affected eye
Corneal transplant performed or recommended
Significant impact on employment and daily life

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a comprehensive ophthalmology exam with slit-lamp documentation — the VA needs detailed documentation of the scar location, size, density, and its effect on the visual axis.
⚠Not documenting best-corrected visual acuity with refraction — the VA rates based on corrected vision, not uncorrected. If the scar causes irregular astigmatism that glasses cannot fully correct, this must be documented.
⚠Not connecting the corneal scar to a specific in-service injury — document the original eye injury (blast, chemical exposure, foreign body, infection) in service records or through buddy statements.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions from the corneal scar — recurrent corneal erosions, chronic dry eye, light sensitivity, and headaches caused by the scar can each support additional ratings.

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…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6009

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have a corneal scar causing corrected vision of 20/200 in the affected eye, making you legally blind in that eye. You may need a corneal transplant.

What the VA looks for

Corrected visual acuity 20/200 in affected eye
Dense central corneal scar documented
Legal blindness in affected eye
Corneal transplant performed or recommended
Significant impact on employment and daily life

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting a comprehensive ophthalmology exam with slit-lamp documentation — the VA needs detailed documentation of the scar location, size, density, and its effect on the visual axis.

⚠Not documenting best-corrected visual acuity with refraction — the VA rates based on corrected vision, not uncorrected. If the scar causes irregular astigmatism that glasses cannot fully correct, this must be documented.

⚠Not connecting the corneal scar to a specific in-service injury — document the original eye injury (blast, chemical exposure, foreign body, infection) in service records or through buddy statements.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions from the corneal scar — recurrent corneal erosions, chronic dry eye, light sensitivity, and headaches caused by the scar can each support additional ratings.