What rates 10% for Macular Degeneration under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006 (DC 6006), a 10% rating for Macular Degeneration requires: Based on visual acuity impairment or visual field loss. Minimum 10% during active pathology with incapacitating episodes.

What rates 20% for Macular Degeneration under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006 (DC 6006), a 20% rating for Macular Degeneration requires: Incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks during past 12 months.

What rates 40% for Macular Degeneration under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006 (DC 6006), a 40% rating for Macular Degeneration requires: Incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during past 12 months.

What rates 60% for Macular Degeneration under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006 (DC 6006), a 60% rating for Macular Degeneration requires: Incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during past 12 months.

What happens during a C&P exam for Macular Degeneration?

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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Macular Degeneration

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Macular Degeneration?

Macular Degeneration (DC 6006) is rated at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60% under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006. Based on visual acuity impairment or visual field loss. Minimum 10% during active pathology with incapacitating episodes.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Macular Degeneration VA claim?

Key evidence for a Macular Degeneration 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 600638 C.F.R. § 4.79

Diagnostic Code

DC 6006

38 C.F.R. § 4.79

Rating Range

10–60%

4 severity tiers

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Macular Degeneration is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6006 of 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6006 across 4 severity tiers (10% / 20% / 40% / 60%). 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

Progressive deterioration of the macula, the central portion of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. Dry (atrophic) form involves gradual thinning; wet (neovascular) form involves abnormal blood vessel growth causing rapid vision loss. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form.

Rating Criteria

10%

Based on visual acuity impairment or visual field loss. Minimum 10% during active pathology with incapacitating episodes.

20%

Incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks during past 12 months.

40%

Incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during past 12 months.

60%

Incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during past 12 months.

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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Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

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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