Visual Field Loss

DC 6080Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.76a, DC 6080

Loss of peripheral (side) vision or other parts of the visual field. This can result from glaucoma, stroke, brain injury, or other conditions. The VA rates visual field loss based on how much the field of vision has narrowed, measured in degrees using specialized testing (perimetry). Ratings increase as the visual field shrinks.

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 6080

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.76a, DC 6080. 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

Both of your eyes have lost nearly all peripheral vision. Your visual field in each eye has narrowed to 5 degrees or less — this is considered equivalent to blindness.

What the VA looks for

Bilateral concentric contraction to 5 degrees or less
Near-total visual field loss in both eyes
Visual field testing confirming bilateral severe contraction
Inability to function independently
Equivalent to blindness for VA purposes

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting formal visual field testing (Goldmann kinetic perimetry or automated perimetry) — the VA rates visual field loss based on degrees of remaining field, so this specific test is required.
⚠Not understanding that visual field loss is rated separately from visual acuity — you can have 20/20 central vision but still get a high rating if your peripheral vision is severely restricted.
⚠Not connecting visual field loss to its underlying cause, such as a service-connected traumatic brain injury, stroke, glaucoma, or retinal condition. Filing the visual field loss as secondary to the primary condition strengthens the claim.
⚠Not requesting Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) if your bilateral visual field loss qualifies as legal blindness — significant bilateral field loss may qualify for additional benefits.
⚠Not documenting how visual field loss affects your daily life — difficulty driving, bumping into objects, tripping on stairs, and safety concerns are all important functional impacts to report.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Eye Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Visual Field Loss 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…

Visual Field Loss

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6080

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Both of your eyes have lost nearly all peripheral vision. Your visual field in each eye has narrowed to 5 degrees or less — this is considered equivalent to blindness.

What the VA looks for

Bilateral concentric contraction to 5 degrees or less
Near-total visual field loss in both eyes
Visual field testing confirming bilateral severe contraction
Inability to function independently
Equivalent to blindness for VA purposes

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting formal visual field testing (Goldmann kinetic perimetry or automated perimetry) — the VA rates visual field loss based on degrees of remaining field, so this specific test is required.

⚠Not understanding that visual field loss is rated separately from visual acuity — you can have 20/20 central vision but still get a high rating if your peripheral vision is severely restricted.

⚠Not connecting visual field loss to its underlying cause, such as a service-connected traumatic brain injury, stroke, glaucoma, or retinal condition. Filing the visual field loss as secondary to the primary condition strengthens the claim.

⚠Not requesting Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) if your bilateral visual field loss qualifies as legal blindness — significant bilateral field loss may qualify for additional benefits.

⚠Not documenting how visual field loss affects your daily life — difficulty driving, bumping into objects, tripping on stairs, and safety concerns are all important functional impacts to report.