Traumatic Optic Neuropathy

DC 6026Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6026

Damage to the optic nerve caused by trauma such as a blast injury, head impact, or facial fracture. It usually affects one eye and can cause partial or complete vision loss in that eye. The VA rates traumatic optic neuropathy based on how much your visual acuity has decreased.

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 6026

Rating range

0% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.79, DC 6026. 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 traumatic optic neuropathy has caused blindness or near-blindness in the affected eye, or significant visual impairment in both eyes.

What the VA looks for

Blindness or only light perception in affected eye
Fellow eye acuity documented for combined rating
Complete optic nerve atrophy confirmed on MRI or OCT
Loss of all useful vision in one eye documented
Application for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for anatomical loss of use

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the specific traumatic event (blast, IED, fall, assault) that caused the optic nerve damage — the nexus between the trauma and the neuropathy is critical for service connection.
⚠Not getting an OCT (optical coherence tomography) scan — this test shows optic nerve fiber layer thinning and provides objective evidence of damage that may not be visible on a standard eye exam.
⚠Failing to document the afferent pupillary defect (APD or Marcus Gunn pupil) — this is a hallmark finding of unilateral optic neuropathy and strong medical evidence of nerve damage.
⚠Not claiming related secondary conditions such as chronic headaches, TBI residuals, or adjustment disorder from sudden vision loss — traumatic optic neuropathy often occurs alongside other injuries.
⚠Not requesting that the C&P examiner test both visual acuity and visual field — the VA rates based on whichever produces the higher evaluation.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Eye Conditions

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Condition Rating Guides

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Traumatic Optic Neuropathy

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6026

Rating range

0% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your traumatic optic neuropathy has caused blindness or near-blindness in the affected eye, or significant visual impairment in both eyes.

What the VA looks for

Blindness or only light perception in affected eye
Fellow eye acuity documented for combined rating
Complete optic nerve atrophy confirmed on MRI or OCT
Loss of all useful vision in one eye documented
Application for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for anatomical loss of use

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the specific traumatic event (blast, IED, fall, assault) that caused the optic nerve damage — the nexus between the trauma and the neuropathy is critical for service connection.

⚠Not getting an OCT (optical coherence tomography) scan — this test shows optic nerve fiber layer thinning and provides objective evidence of damage that may not be visible on a standard eye exam.

⚠Failing to document the afferent pupillary defect (APD or Marcus Gunn pupil) — this is a hallmark finding of unilateral optic neuropathy and strong medical evidence of nerve damage.

⚠Not claiming related secondary conditions such as chronic headaches, TBI residuals, or adjustment disorder from sudden vision loss — traumatic optic neuropathy often occurs alongside other injuries.

⚠Not requesting that the C&P examiner test both visual acuity and visual field — the VA rates based on whichever produces the higher evaluation.