What happens during a C&P exam for Retinitis Pigmentosa?

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.

← All Condition Guides

CLAIM RECON INTEL

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Retinitis Pigmentosa?

Retinitis Pigmentosa (DC 6042) is rated at 0% under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6042 (retinal dystrophy — verbatim DC includes retinitis pigmentosa per § 4.79). No standalone schedular tier under DC 6042. Rate on resulting visual impairment: acuity loss (DCs 6061-6066) or visual-field constriction (DCs 6080-6081), whichever yields the higher evaluation. RP characteristically presents with progressive concentric visual-field constriction, so DC 6080 typically controls.

Q: What rates 0% for Retinitis Pigmentosa under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6042 (retinal dystrophy — verbatim DC includes retinitis pigmentosa per § 4.79)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6042 (retinal dystrophy — verbatim DC includes retinitis pigmentosa per § 4.79) (DC 6042), a 0% rating for Retinitis Pigmentosa requires: No standalone schedular tier under DC 6042. Rate on resulting visual impairment: acuity loss (DCs 6061-6066) or visual-field constriction (DCs 6080-6081), whichever yields the higher evaluation. RP characteristically presents with progressive concentric visual-field constriction, so DC 6080 typically controls.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Retinitis Pigmentosa VA claim?

Key evidence for a Retinitis Pigmentosa 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 604238 C.F.R. § 4.79

Diagnostic Code

DC 6042

38 C.F.R. § 4.79

Rating Range

0–0%

1 severity tier

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.79

Retinitis Pigmentosa is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6042 of 38 CFR § 4.79, DC 6042 (retinal dystrophy — verbatim DC includes retinitis pigmentosa per § 4.79) 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

Inherited group of retinal dystrophies causing progressive degeneration of photoreceptors (rods first, then cones), leading to night blindness, progressive peripheral visual field constriction (tunnel vision), and eventual central vision loss. May be service-connected if aggravated during military service.

Rating Criteria

No standalone schedular tier under DC 6042. Rate on resulting visual impairment: acuity loss (DCs 6061-6066) or visual-field constriction (DCs 6080-6081), whichever yields the higher evaluation. RP characteristically presents with progressive concentric visual-field constriction, so DC 6080 typically controls.

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

LOADING