Glaucoma

DC 6012Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6012

A group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye. The VA rates glaucoma based on visual impairment (visual acuity and visual field loss).

Rating Levels

Your glaucoma has caused total blindness in both eyes or near-total loss of visual field.

What the VA looks for

Total or near-total blindness
Visual acuity 5/200 or worse in both eyes
Concentric contraction of visual field to 5 degrees or less
Loss of light perception

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not understanding that glaucoma is rated on visual impairment (acuity and visual field loss), not just the diagnosis or eye pressure readings.
⚠Not getting both visual acuity AND visual field (perimetry) testing — the VA can rate on either, and visual field loss alone can support a high rating even with decent visual acuity.
⚠Not requesting the minimum 10% rating for continuous medication — if you need daily eye drops, you qualify for at least 10%.
⚠Not connecting glaucoma to secondary conditions like depression or anxiety from progressive vision loss.

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…