Eyelid Ptosis

DC 6019Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6019

Drooping of the upper eyelid that can partially or completely block the pupil, reducing your field of vision. Ptosis can affect one or both eyes and may be caused by nerve damage, muscle weakness, or trauma. The VA rates ptosis based on how much it obstructs the visual axis and the resulting visual impairment.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 6019

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.79, DC 6019. 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 ptosis completely or nearly completely covers the pupil, causing severe visual impairment in the affected eye. You cannot see through the affected eye without manually lifting the eyelid.

What the VA looks for

Upper eyelid covering entire pupil
Complete visual axis obstruction in affected eye
Must manually lift eyelid to see
Significant functional blindness in affected eye
Failed surgical correction or surgical contraindication

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not requesting measurement of the marginal reflex distance (MRD) at the C&P exam — this objective measurement shows how much of the pupil is covered and directly supports the degree of visual impairment.
⚠Not documenting that ptosis worsens throughout the day (fatigue-related ptosis) — if your ptosis is worse in the evening, the C&P exam in the morning may not show the worst extent. Submit photos from different times of day.
⚠Not connecting ptosis to its cause for service connection — common causes include third cranial nerve damage from TBI, Horner syndrome from neck/chest trauma, myasthenia gravis, or complications from military eye surgeries.
⚠Not claiming disfigurement under DC 7800 as an alternative if the ptosis is cosmetically significant but does not fully obstruct the visual axis — the VA can rate on whichever produces the higher evaluation.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Eye Conditions

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Condition Rating Guides

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Eyelid Ptosis

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6019

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your ptosis completely or nearly completely covers the pupil, causing severe visual impairment in the affected eye. You cannot see through the affected eye without manually lifting the eyelid.

What the VA looks for

Upper eyelid covering entire pupil
Complete visual axis obstruction in affected eye
Must manually lift eyelid to see
Significant functional blindness in affected eye
Failed surgical correction or surgical contraindication

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not requesting measurement of the marginal reflex distance (MRD) at the C&P exam — this objective measurement shows how much of the pupil is covered and directly supports the degree of visual impairment.

⚠Not documenting that ptosis worsens throughout the day (fatigue-related ptosis) — if your ptosis is worse in the evening, the C&P exam in the morning may not show the worst extent. Submit photos from different times of day.

⚠Not connecting ptosis to its cause for service connection — common causes include third cranial nerve damage from TBI, Horner syndrome from neck/chest trauma, myasthenia gravis, or complications from military eye surgeries.

⚠Not claiming disfigurement under DC 7800 as an alternative if the ptosis is cosmetically significant but does not fully obstruct the visual axis — the VA can rate on whichever produces the higher evaluation.