Nystagmus

DC 6016Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6016

Involuntary, repetitive, uncontrolled eye movements that can reduce vision and affect balance. Often caused by head injuries, vestibular damage, or neurological conditions from military service.

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 6016

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.79, DC 6016. 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 nystagmus causes severe visual impairment with markedly reduced visual acuity and major limitations in your ability to work and function independently.

What the VA looks for

Severe visual impairment documented
Corrected visual acuity worse than 20/200
Major occupational impairment
Significant impact on independent functioning
Associated neurological findings

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting both an ophthalmologic and neurological exam — nystagmus often has a central (brain) or peripheral (vestibular) cause, and you need testing to document both the eye movements and the underlying cause.
⚠Not connecting nystagmus to a service-connected head injury or TBI — blast exposure and head trauma are common military causes of nystagmus.
⚠Failing to document how nystagmus affects your daily life — the VA rates based on resulting visual impairment, so you need detailed evidence of functional limitations.
⚠Not claiming associated conditions separately — nystagmus often coexists with vestibular disorders, dizziness, and balance problems that may each be rated independently.

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 6016

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your nystagmus causes severe visual impairment with markedly reduced visual acuity and major limitations in your ability to work and function independently.

What the VA looks for

Severe visual impairment documented
Corrected visual acuity worse than 20/200
Major occupational impairment
Significant impact on independent functioning
Associated neurological findings

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting both an ophthalmologic and neurological exam — nystagmus often has a central (brain) or peripheral (vestibular) cause, and you need testing to document both the eye movements and the underlying cause.

⚠Not connecting nystagmus to a service-connected head injury or TBI — blast exposure and head trauma are common military causes of nystagmus.

⚠Failing to document how nystagmus affects your daily life — the VA rates based on resulting visual impairment, so you need detailed evidence of functional limitations.

⚠Not claiming associated conditions separately — nystagmus often coexists with vestibular disorders, dizziness, and balance problems that may each be rated independently.