Retinal Detachment

DC 6008Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6008

A serious eye condition where the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) pulls away from its normal position. The VA rates retinal detachment based on the visual impairment that remains after treatment or surgery.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 6008

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.79, DC 6008. 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 retinal detachment has caused blindness or near-total vision loss in both eyes.

What the VA looks for

Near-total or total bilateral vision loss
Visual acuity worse than 5/200 in both eyes
Failed retinal repair or recurrent detachment
Inability to function independently due to vision loss

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your vision before and after retinal surgery — the VA rates on residual visual impairment, so showing what vision remains after repair is critical.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions like anxiety or depression caused by sudden vision loss or fear of recurrence.
⚠Not getting both visual acuity and visual field testing — retinal detachment can cause blind spots (scotomas) that visual field testing captures even if your acuity seems okay.
⚠Not connecting retinal detachment to military service, such as blast injuries, head trauma, or high-G force exposure during service.
⚠If your retinal detachment was caused by another service-connected condition (like cataract surgery complications or diabetes), make sure to file it as a secondary condition.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Eye Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Retinal Detachment or rated under the same body system.

Tinnitus

DC 6260·Organs of Sense

Bilateral Hearing Loss

DC 6100·Organs of Sense

Meniere's Disease (Endolymphatic Hydrops)

DC 6205·Organs of Sense

Dry Eye Syndrome

DC 6025·Organs of Sense

Glaucoma

DC 6012·Organs of Sense

Cataracts

DC 6027·Organs of Sense

Peripheral Vestibular Disorder

DC 6204·Organs of Sense

Diabetic Retinopathy

DC 6006·Organs of Sense

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6008

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your retinal detachment has caused blindness or near-total vision loss in both eyes.

What the VA looks for

Near-total or total bilateral vision loss
Visual acuity worse than 5/200 in both eyes
Failed retinal repair or recurrent detachment
Inability to function independently due to vision loss

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting your vision before and after retinal surgery — the VA rates on residual visual impairment, so showing what vision remains after repair is critical.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions like anxiety or depression caused by sudden vision loss or fear of recurrence.

⚠Not getting both visual acuity and visual field testing — retinal detachment can cause blind spots (scotomas) that visual field testing captures even if your acuity seems okay.

⚠Not connecting retinal detachment to military service, such as blast injuries, head trauma, or high-G force exposure during service.

⚠If your retinal detachment was caused by another service-connected condition (like cataract surgery complications or diabetes), make sure to file it as a secondary condition.