Eye Enucleation (Eye Removal)

DC 6063Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6063

Surgical removal of the eye (enucleation) or its contents (evisceration). This results in total loss of vision in the affected eye and loss of depth perception. The VA assigns fixed ratings based on whether one or both eyes have been removed and the visual acuity of the remaining eye.

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 6063

Rating range

40% – 100%

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 both eyes surgically removed, or you have had one eye removed and the remaining eye has only light perception or no useful vision.

What the VA looks for

Bilateral enucleation documented
Or unilateral enucleation with remaining eye 5/200 or worse
Total or near-total blindness
Complete dependence on others for daily activities
Special monthly compensation eligibility documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not applying for special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of a creative organ — enucleation qualifies for SMC under 38 USC 1114(k), which provides additional monthly compensation on top of the schedular rating.
⚠Not claiming the prosthetic eye socket complications — socket irritation, discharge, implant migration, and inability to retain the prosthesis are all documented residuals that may support additional compensation.
⚠Not protecting the remaining eye claim — if your remaining eye develops any condition, it should be claimed immediately because loss of vision in the remaining eye dramatically increases the combined rating.
⚠Not documenting loss of depth perception and its impact on employment and daily activities — loss of binocular vision affects driving, sports, and many occupations.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Eye Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Eye Enucleation (Eye Removal)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6063

Rating range

40% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have had both eyes surgically removed, or you have had one eye removed and the remaining eye has only light perception or no useful vision.

What the VA looks for

Bilateral enucleation documented
Or unilateral enucleation with remaining eye 5/200 or worse
Total or near-total blindness
Complete dependence on others for daily activities
Special monthly compensation eligibility documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not applying for special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of a creative organ — enucleation qualifies for SMC under 38 USC 1114(k), which provides additional monthly compensation on top of the schedular rating.

⚠Not claiming the prosthetic eye socket complications — socket irritation, discharge, implant migration, and inability to retain the prosthesis are all documented residuals that may support additional compensation.

⚠Not protecting the remaining eye claim — if your remaining eye develops any condition, it should be claimed immediately because loss of vision in the remaining eye dramatically increases the combined rating.

⚠Not documenting loss of depth perception and its impact on employment and daily activities — loss of binocular vision affects driving, sports, and many occupations.