Iridocyclitis (Active)

DC 6003Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6003

Inflammation of the iris and ciliary body of the eye (also known as anterior uveitis). When active, iridocyclitis causes eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. The VA rates this condition based on the frequency of active episodes and any resulting visual impairment.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 6003

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.79, DC 6003. 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 iridocyclitis has caused significant and lasting visual impairment from chronic inflammation and its complications. You may have secondary glaucoma, dense cataracts, or marked vision loss.

What the VA looks for

Secondary glaucoma from chronic inflammation
Significant cataract requiring surgery
Visual acuity 20/100 or worse
Chronic macular edema on OCT imaging
Continuous immunosuppressive therapy required

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not tracking the frequency of flare-ups — the VA considers how often active episodes occur when determining the rating, so maintaining a log of each episode with dates and symptoms is important.
⚠Not documenting complications from chronic inflammation — posterior synechiae, secondary glaucoma, cataracts, and macular edema are all complications that affect the overall rating and may warrant separate claims.
⚠Not connecting iridocyclitis to an underlying service-connected condition — this can be caused by autoimmune disorders, infections, or traumatic eye injuries related to military service.
⚠Not getting intraocular pressure checks regularly — secondary glaucoma is a common complication that can develop silently and cause additional permanent vision loss.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Eye Conditions

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Condition Rating Guides

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Iridocyclitis (Active)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6003

Rating range

10% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your iridocyclitis has caused significant and lasting visual impairment from chronic inflammation and its complications. You may have secondary glaucoma, dense cataracts, or marked vision loss.

What the VA looks for

Secondary glaucoma from chronic inflammation
Significant cataract requiring surgery
Visual acuity 20/100 or worse
Chronic macular edema on OCT imaging
Continuous immunosuppressive therapy required

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not tracking the frequency of flare-ups — the VA considers how often active episodes occur when determining the rating, so maintaining a log of each episode with dates and symptoms is important.

⚠Not documenting complications from chronic inflammation — posterior synechiae, secondary glaucoma, cataracts, and macular edema are all complications that affect the overall rating and may warrant separate claims.

⚠Not connecting iridocyclitis to an underlying service-connected condition — this can be caused by autoimmune disorders, infections, or traumatic eye injuries related to military service.

⚠Not getting intraocular pressure checks regularly — secondary glaucoma is a common complication that can develop silently and cause additional permanent vision loss.