What happens during a C&P exam for Optic Neuritis?

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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Optic Neuritis

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Optic Neuritis?

Optic Neuritis (DC 6026) is rated at 0% under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6026. No standalone schedular percentage tier under DC 6026 (Optic neuropathy). Rate on the resulting visual impairment under § 4.79: visual acuity (DCs 6061-6066), visual fields (DCs 6080-6081), or muscle function/diplopia (DC 6090). Where optic neuritis is associated with multiple sclerosis, the underlying MS (DC 8018) is also rated separately.

Q: What rates 0% for Optic Neuritis under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6026?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6026 (DC 6026), a 0% rating for Optic Neuritis requires: No standalone schedular percentage tier under DC 6026 (Optic neuropathy). Rate on the resulting visual impairment under § 4.79: visual acuity (DCs 6061-6066), visual fields (DCs 6080-6081), or muscle function/diplopia (DC 6090). Where optic neuritis is associated with multiple sclerosis, the underlying MS (DC 8018) is also rated separately.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Optic Neuritis VA claim?

Key evidence for a Optic Neuritis 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 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

Optic Neuritis 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

Inflammation of the optic nerve (CN II) causing vision loss, pain with eye movement, and color vision changes.

Rating Criteria

No standalone schedular percentage tier under DC 6026 (Optic neuropathy). Rate on the resulting visual impairment under § 4.79: visual acuity (DCs 6061-6066), visual fields (DCs 6080-6081), or muscle function/diplopia (DC 6090). Where optic neuritis is associated with multiple sclerosis, the underlying MS (DC 8018) is also rated separately.

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

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Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria text quoted verbatim from 38 C.F.R. § 4.79 (Eye). Source verified 2026-05-15 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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