Enucleation (Eye Removal)

DC 6063Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6063

Surgical removal of an eye due to severe trauma, infection, or cancer. Veterans who lose an eye due to service-connected causes receive a fixed rating plus special monthly compensation (SMC-k) for anatomical loss.

How the VA rates this condition

This condition has a fixed rating under VA regulations. Unlike most conditions, the rating does not vary based on severity. If the VA grants service connection, the rating percentage is set by regulation.

Diagnostic code

DC 6063

Rating range

40% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.79, DC 6063. 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 had one eye surgically removed (enucleated) and the other eye has normal corrected vision (20/40 or better). This is the minimum rating for enucleation of one eye.

What the VA looks for

Surgical records documenting enucleation
Prosthetic eye fitted
Other eye visual acuity 20/40 or better
Service connection for the cause of eye loss
SMC-k entitlement documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not applying for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-k) — anatomical loss of one eye automatically qualifies you for SMC-k, which is additional monthly compensation on top of your disability rating.
⚠Not filing for the prosthetic eye as a separately rated condition — the VA should provide a prosthetic eye and any associated complications (socket issues, fitting problems) may warrant additional consideration.
⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — loss of depth perception, phantom eye pain, socket infections, and psychological conditions (depression, PTSD) related to eye loss should each be claimed separately.
⚠Not documenting the impact on the remaining eye — if the remaining eye has any impairment, the combined bilateral visual impairment rating is significantly higher.

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 6063

Rating range

40% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have had one eye surgically removed (enucleated) and the other eye has normal corrected vision (20/40 or better). This is the minimum rating for enucleation of one eye.

What the VA looks for

Surgical records documenting enucleation
Prosthetic eye fitted
Other eye visual acuity 20/40 or better
Service connection for the cause of eye loss
SMC-k entitlement documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not applying for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-k) — anatomical loss of one eye automatically qualifies you for SMC-k, which is additional monthly compensation on top of your disability rating.

⚠Not filing for the prosthetic eye as a separately rated condition — the VA should provide a prosthetic eye and any associated complications (socket issues, fitting problems) may warrant additional consideration.

⚠Not claiming secondary conditions — loss of depth perception, phantom eye pain, socket infections, and psychological conditions (depression, PTSD) related to eye loss should each be claimed separately.

⚠Not documenting the impact on the remaining eye — if the remaining eye has any impairment, the combined bilateral visual impairment rating is significantly higher.