Vitreous Hemorrhage Residuals

DC 6011Organs of Sense38 CFR 4.79, DC 6011

Bleeding into the vitreous (gel-like substance inside the eye) that can cause floaters, blurred vision, and vision loss. Common after eye trauma, blast injuries, or as a complication of diabetic retinopathy.

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 6011

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.79, DC 6011. 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

You have complete or near-complete vision loss in the affected eye from vitreous hemorrhage residuals, combined with impairment in the other eye.

What the VA looks for

Complete or near-complete vision loss in affected eye
Bilateral visual impairment documented
Failed surgical interventions documented
Total occupational disability from vision loss

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the cause of the hemorrhage — the VA needs a nexus between the vitreous hemorrhage and military service (trauma, blast, or a service-connected condition like diabetic retinopathy).
⚠Not getting an OCT (optical coherence tomography) scan — this imaging shows retinal structural damage that may persist even after the hemorrhage clears.
⚠Assuming the condition is resolved because the blood cleared — residual retinal damage, persistent floaters, and macular changes can continue to impair vision long after the hemorrhage itself resolves.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — vitreous hemorrhage can cause retinal detachment, macular damage, and glaucoma, each of which may be rated separately.

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…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 6011

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have complete or near-complete vision loss in the affected eye from vitreous hemorrhage residuals, combined with impairment in the other eye.

What the VA looks for

Complete or near-complete vision loss in affected eye
Bilateral visual impairment documented
Failed surgical interventions documented
Total occupational disability from vision loss

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the cause of the hemorrhage — the VA needs a nexus between the vitreous hemorrhage and military service (trauma, blast, or a service-connected condition like diabetic retinopathy).

⚠Not getting an OCT (optical coherence tomography) scan — this imaging shows retinal structural damage that may persist even after the hemorrhage clears.

⚠Assuming the condition is resolved because the blood cleared — residual retinal damage, persistent floaters, and macular changes can continue to impair vision long after the hemorrhage itself resolves.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — vitreous hemorrhage can cause retinal detachment, macular damage, and glaucoma, each of which may be rated separately.