What happens during a C&P exam for Diplopia (Double Vision)?

Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms. Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

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Diplopia (Double Vision)

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Diplopia (Double Vision)?

Diplopia (Double Vision) (DC 6090) is rated at 0% under 38 CFR § 4.78, DC 6090. Diplopia (DC 6090) does NOT have a flat schedular percent tier. Per 38 CFR § 4.31, diplopia that is occasional or that is correctable with spectacles is evaluated at 0%. For persistent uncorrectable diplopia, the rating is derived from a 2-axis verbatim lookup table at § 4.79: field of gaze (degrees from central fixation) × direction (Down / Lateral / Up). The looked-up cell yields an "equivalent visual acuity" (e.g. 5/200, 20/100) which is applied to the affected eye and combined with the corresponding unaffected eye via the § 4.79 visual-impairment combined-acuity table (DCs 6063-6066). Per § 4.78(b), where diplopia exists in more than one quadrant or degree range, the rater uses the quadrant and degree range that provides the highest evaluation. See the verbatim § 4.79 DC 6090 table below for cell values.

Q: What rates 0% for Diplopia (Double Vision) under 38 CFR § 4.78, DC 6090?

Under 38 CFR § 4.78, DC 6090 (DC 6090), a 0% rating for Diplopia (Double Vision) requires: Diplopia (DC 6090) does NOT have a flat schedular percent tier. Per 38 CFR § 4.31, diplopia that is occasional or that is correctable with spectacles is evaluated at 0%. For persistent uncorrectable diplopia, the rating is derived from a 2-axis verbatim lookup table at § 4.79: field of gaze (degrees from central fixation) × direction (Down / Lateral / Up). The looked-up cell yields an "equivalent visual acuity" (e.g. 5/200, 20/100) which is applied to the affected eye and combined with the corresponding unaffected eye via the § 4.79 visual-impairment combined-acuity table (DCs 6063-6066). Per § 4.78(b), where diplopia exists in more than one quadrant or degree range, the rater uses the quadrant and degree range that provides the highest evaluation. See the verbatim § 4.79 DC 6090 table below for cell values.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Diplopia (Double Vision) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Diplopia (Double Vision) claim includes: Service treatment records; Current medical diagnosis and treatment records; Buddy/lay statements; Prescription history; Employment impact documentation. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 609038 C.F.R. § 4.78

Diagnostic Code

DC 6090

38 C.F.R. § 4.78

Rating Range

0–0%

1 severity tier

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Diplopia (Double Vision) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6090 of 38 CFR § 4.78, DC 6090 across 1 severity tier (0%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Seeing two images of a single object, either overlapping or side by side. Binocular diplopia (resolves when one eye is covered) is caused by eye misalignment from cranial nerve palsy, TBI, orbital fracture, or muscle injury. Monocular diplopia may result from cataracts or corneal disease.

Rating Criteria

Diplopia (DC 6090) does NOT have a flat schedular percent tier. Per 38 CFR § 4.31, diplopia that is occasional or that is correctable with spectacles is evaluated at 0%. For persistent uncorrectable diplopia, the rating is derived from a 2-axis verbatim lookup table at § 4.79: field of gaze (degrees from central fixation) × direction (Down / Lateral / Up). The looked-up cell yields an "equivalent visual acuity" (e.g. 5/200, 20/100) which is applied to the affected eye and combined with the corresponding unaffected eye via the § 4.79 visual-impairment combined-acuity table (DCs 6063-6066). Per § 4.78(b), where diplopia exists in more than one quadrant or degree range, the rater uses the quadrant and degree range that provides the highest evaluation. See the verbatim § 4.79 DC 6090 table below for cell values.

VERBATIM § 4.79 EQUIVALENT VISUAL ACUITY TABLE

DC 6090 (Diplopia) — Equivalent Visual Acuity by Field of Gaze · text quoted verbatim from eCFR § 4.79

Field of Gaze	Down	Lateral	Up
Central 20 degrees	5/200 (1.5/60)
21 to 30 degrees	15/200 (4.5/60)	20/100 (6/30)	20/70 (6/21)
31 to 40 degrees	20/200 (6/60)	20/70 (6/21)	20/40 (6/12)

APPLICATION RULE

Per 38 C.F.R. § 4.78(a), the examiner uses a Goldmann perimeter chart or the Tangent Screen method that identifies the four major quadrants and degree ranges. Per § 4.78(b), where diplopia exists in more than one quadrant or degree range, the rater uses the quadrant and degree range that provides the highest evaluation. The equivalent visual acuity value above is applied to the affected eye and combined with the corresponding unaffected eye under the § 4.79 visual-impairment combined-acuity table (DCs 6063-6066).

NOTES (verbatim § 4.79)

Note (1): In accordance with 38 CFR 4.31, diplopia that is occasional or that is correctable with spectacles is evaluated at 0 percent.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records

—Current medical diagnosis and treatment records

—Buddy/lay statements

—Prescription history

—Employment impact documentation

—Any relevant diagnostic testing

04C&P Exam Tips

1Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.

2Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.

3Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.

4Mention all medications and their side effects.

5Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.

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Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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VERBATIM § 4.79 EQUIVALENT VISUAL ACUITY TABLE

DC 6090 (Diplopia) — Equivalent Visual Acuity by Field of Gaze · text quoted verbatim from eCFR § 4.79

Field of Gaze	Down	Lateral	Up
Central 20 degrees	5/200 (1.5/60)
21 to 30 degrees	15/200 (4.5/60)	20/100 (6/30)	20/70 (6/21)
31 to 40 degrees	20/200 (6/60)	20/70 (6/21)	20/40 (6/12)

APPLICATION RULE

NOTES (verbatim § 4.79)

Note (1): In accordance with 38 CFR 4.31, diplopia that is occasional or that is correctable with spectacles is evaluated at 0 percent.