Tubercular Eye Disease

DC 6010Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6010

Eye involvement from tuberculosis infection, which can affect nearly any structure of the eye including the uvea, retina, choroid, and optic nerve. The VA rates this condition based on residual visual impairment from the infection and its treatment.

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 6010

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.79, DC 6010. 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 ocular tuberculosis has caused severe visual impairment from extensive retinal destruction, optic atrophy, or complications such as secondary glaucoma or retinal detachment.

What the VA looks for

Severe visual acuity loss (20/200 or worse)
Extensive retinal destruction from granulomatous inflammation
Optic atrophy documented on examination
Secondary retinal detachment or glaucoma
Bilateral eye involvement

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing the link between TB exposure during military service and eye involvement — tuberculosis is more common in deployed settings and military housing, and ocular TB can manifest months or years after initial infection.
⚠Not filing separately for active TB and its eye residuals — active pulmonary or systemic tuberculosis is rated under the infectious disease codes, while eye complications are rated separately on visual impairment.
⚠Not documenting medication side effects — ethambutol, a common anti-TB drug, can itself cause optic neuritis and vision loss, which may be a separately ratable medication side effect.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Eye Conditions
DBQ Infectious Diseases

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 6010

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your ocular tuberculosis has caused severe visual impairment from extensive retinal destruction, optic atrophy, or complications such as secondary glaucoma or retinal detachment.

What the VA looks for

Severe visual acuity loss (20/200 or worse)
Extensive retinal destruction from granulomatous inflammation
Optic atrophy documented on examination
Secondary retinal detachment or glaucoma
Bilateral eye involvement

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing the link between TB exposure during military service and eye involvement — tuberculosis is more common in deployed settings and military housing, and ocular TB can manifest months or years after initial infection.

⚠Not filing separately for active TB and its eye residuals — active pulmonary or systemic tuberculosis is rated under the infectious disease codes, while eye complications are rated separately on visual impairment.

⚠Not documenting medication side effects — ethambutol, a common anti-TB drug, can itself cause optic neuritis and vision loss, which may be a separately ratable medication side effect.