What happens during a C&P exam for Papilledema / Optic Disc Edema?

Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation. Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

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Papilledema / Optic Disc Edema

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Papilledema / Optic Disc Edema?

Papilledema / Optic Disc Edema (DC 6026) is rated at 0% under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6026. No standalone schedular tier under DC 6026. Rate on (a) resulting visual impairment (acuity DCs 6061-6066, visual field DCs 6080/6081 — typically enlarged blind spot or peripheral constriction) AND (b) the underlying etiology (e.g., DC 8100 migraines / pseudotumor cerebri, DC 8045 TBI, DC 7000-series cardiovascular for hypertensive papilledema), whichever yields the higher evaluation.

Q: What rates 0% for Papilledema / Optic Disc Edema under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6026?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6026 (DC 6026), a 0% rating for Papilledema / Optic Disc Edema requires: No standalone schedular tier under DC 6026. Rate on (a) resulting visual impairment (acuity DCs 6061-6066, visual field DCs 6080/6081 — typically enlarged blind spot or peripheral constriction) AND (b) the underlying etiology (e.g., DC 8100 migraines / pseudotumor cerebri, DC 8045 TBI, DC 7000-series cardiovascular for hypertensive papilledema), whichever yields the higher evaluation.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Papilledema / Optic Disc Edema VA claim?

Key evidence for a Papilledema / Optic Disc Edema claim includes: Service treatment records showing injury or complaints; Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT); Range of motion measurements; Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin; Buddy statements describing limitations. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 602638 C.F.R. § 4.79

Diagnostic Code

DC 6026

38 C.F.R. § 4.79

Rating Range

0–0%

1 severity tier

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.79

Papilledema / Optic Disc Edema is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6026 of 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6026 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

Swelling of the optic disc, usually bilateral, caused by increased intracranial pressure (true papilledema) or other causes (optic disc edema). May cause transient visual obscurations, enlarged blind spots, and visual field loss. In veterans, often associated with TBI, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, or brain tumors.

Rating Criteria

No standalone schedular tier under DC 6026. Rate on (a) resulting visual impairment (acuity DCs 6061-6066, visual field DCs 6080/6081 — typically enlarged blind spot or peripheral constriction) AND (b) the underlying etiology (e.g., DC 8100 migraines / pseudotumor cerebri, DC 8045 TBI, DC 7000-series cardiovascular for hypertensive papilledema), whichever yields the higher evaluation.

03Key Evidence

—Service treatment records showing injury or complaints

—Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT)

—Range of motion measurements

—Flare-up documentation per Sharp v. Shulkin

—Buddy statements describing limitations

—Prescription history

—Physical therapy records

—Employment impact documentation

04C&P Exam Tips

1Do NOT stretch, warm up, or take pain medication before your exam. The VA needs your baseline limitation.

2Report your WORST day. DeLuca v. Brown requires documentation of functional loss during flare-ups.

3Tell the examiner about flare-ups: frequency, duration, estimated ROM loss. Sharp v. Shulkin (2017) requires estimates.

4Request active, passive, weight-bearing, and non-weight-bearing ROM testing per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

5If you use assistive devices (brace, cane), bring them.

6Describe daily activity impact: work, sleep, household tasks.

Tools

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

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.79 (Eye). Source verified 2026-05-17 by ClaimRecon Editorial Team against the Cornell Law CFR mirror; eCFR.gov is the authoritative government source.

View § 4.79 on eCFR →Cornell Law mirror →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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