Sympathetic Ophthalmia

DC 6005Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6005

A rare but serious bilateral eye inflammation that occurs when a penetrating injury or surgery on one eye triggers an autoimmune inflammatory response in the uninjured (sympathizing) eye. The VA rates this condition based on the resulting visual impairment in both eyes, with a minimum 10% rating.

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 6005

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.79, DC 6005. 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 sympathetic ophthalmia has resulted in blindness or near-total blindness in both eyes. You have lost functional vision despite maximum treatment.

What the VA looks for

Bilateral visual acuity 5/200 or worse
Total or near-total blindness in both eyes
Failed multiple courses of immunosuppressive therapy
Complete dependence on others for navigation and daily activities
Special monthly compensation documentation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting the sympathetic ophthalmia to the original eye injury — this condition only occurs after penetrating trauma or surgery to one eye, so documenting the service-connected precipitating event is essential.
⚠Not filing for the exciting eye and sympathizing eye separately — the originally injured eye and the secondarily affected eye may each contribute to the combined rating.
⚠Not applying for special monthly compensation (SMC) — loss of use of one or both eyes qualifies for additional SMC under 38 USC 1114(k), and bilateral blindness may qualify for higher SMC levels.
⚠Not documenting medication side effects — long-term immunosuppressive therapy for sympathetic ophthalmia can cause serious side effects (diabetes, osteoporosis, kidney damage) that may be secondary service-connected conditions.

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…

Sympathetic Ophthalmia

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6005

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your sympathetic ophthalmia has resulted in blindness or near-total blindness in both eyes. You have lost functional vision despite maximum treatment.

What the VA looks for

Bilateral visual acuity 5/200 or worse
Total or near-total blindness in both eyes
Failed multiple courses of immunosuppressive therapy
Complete dependence on others for navigation and daily activities
Special monthly compensation documentation

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting the sympathetic ophthalmia to the original eye injury — this condition only occurs after penetrating trauma or surgery to one eye, so documenting the service-connected precipitating event is essential.

⚠Not filing for the exciting eye and sympathizing eye separately — the originally injured eye and the secondarily affected eye may each contribute to the combined rating.

⚠Not applying for special monthly compensation (SMC) — loss of use of one or both eyes qualifies for additional SMC under 38 USC 1114(k), and bilateral blindness may qualify for higher SMC levels.

⚠Not documenting medication side effects — long-term immunosuppressive therapy for sympathetic ophthalmia can cause serious side effects (diabetes, osteoporosis, kidney damage) that may be secondary service-connected conditions.