Orbital Fracture Residuals

DC 6012Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6012

Residual problems from a broken bone around the eye socket. Common from combat injuries, vehicle accidents, or falls during military service. Can cause double vision, eye movement problems, numbness, and cosmetic deformity.

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 6012

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.79, DC 6012. 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 orbital fracture residuals include diplopia in the central field of gaze or significant disfigurement with functional limitations.

What the VA looks for

Diplopia in central field of gaze
Significant functional impairment
Visible facial disfigurement
Multiple surgical repairs documented
Impact on employment documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming multiple residuals separately — an orbital fracture can cause diplopia, numbness (trigeminal nerve), disfigurement (DC 7800), and restricted eye movement, each potentially rated independently.
⚠Not getting a CT scan to document the bony defect — X-rays may miss orbital floor fractures. A CT clearly shows the fracture site and any hardware or persistent defect.
⚠Not documenting diplopia with a Goldmann perimetry or diplopia field test — the VA rates diplopia based on which visual field it occurs in, so objective testing is essential.
⚠Ignoring infraorbital numbness — damage to the infraorbital nerve from an orbital floor fracture can warrant a separate rating under the neurological rating schedule.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Eye Conditions
DBQ Scars/Disfigurement

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 6012

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your orbital fracture residuals include diplopia in the central field of gaze or significant disfigurement with functional limitations.

What the VA looks for

Diplopia in central field of gaze
Significant functional impairment
Visible facial disfigurement
Multiple surgical repairs documented
Impact on employment documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not claiming multiple residuals separately — an orbital fracture can cause diplopia, numbness (trigeminal nerve), disfigurement (DC 7800), and restricted eye movement, each potentially rated independently.

⚠Not getting a CT scan to document the bony defect — X-rays may miss orbital floor fractures. A CT clearly shows the fracture site and any hardware or persistent defect.

⚠Not documenting diplopia with a Goldmann perimetry or diplopia field test — the VA rates diplopia based on which visual field it occurs in, so objective testing is essential.

⚠Ignoring infraorbital numbness — damage to the infraorbital nerve from an orbital floor fracture can warrant a separate rating under the neurological rating schedule.