What happens during a C&P exam for Scotoma (Central or Paracentral)?

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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Scotoma (Central or Paracentral)

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Scotoma (Central or Paracentral)?

Scotoma (Central or Paracentral) (DC 6081) is rated at 10% under 38 CFR § 4.77, DC 6081. DC 6081 verbatim — "Scotoma, unilateral: Minimum, with scotoma affecting at least one-quarter of the visual field (quadrantanopsia) or with centrally located scotoma of any size." Alternative (also verbatim): "Alternatively, evaluate based on visual impairment due to scotoma, if that would result in a higher evaluation."

Q: What rates 10% for Scotoma (Central or Paracentral) under 38 CFR § 4.77, DC 6081?

Under 38 CFR § 4.77, DC 6081 (DC 6081), a 10% rating for Scotoma (Central or Paracentral) requires: DC 6081 verbatim — "Scotoma, unilateral: Minimum, with scotoma affecting at least one-quarter of the visual field (quadrantanopsia) or with centrally located scotoma of any size." Alternative (also verbatim): "Alternatively, evaluate based on visual impairment due to scotoma, if that would result in a higher evaluation."

Q: What evidence do I need for a Scotoma (Central or Paracentral) VA claim?

Key evidence for a Scotoma (Central or Paracentral) 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 608138 C.F.R. § 4.77

Diagnostic Code

DC 6081

38 C.F.R. § 4.77

Rating Range

10–10%

1 severity tier

Source

Verified

38 C.F.R. § 4.79

Scotoma (Central or Paracentral) is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 6081 of 38 CFR § 4.77, DC 6081 across 1 severity tier (10%). 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

An area of partial or complete loss of vision surrounded by normal or relatively normal visual field. Scotomas may be central (affecting the fovea/macula), paracentral, or peripheral. Can result from optic nerve damage, macular disease, migraine, or neurological conditions.

Rating Criteria

10%

DC 6081 verbatim — "Scotoma, unilateral: Minimum, with scotoma affecting at least one-quarter of the visual field (quadrantanopsia) or with centrally located scotoma of any size." Alternative (also verbatim): "Alternatively, evaluate based on visual impairment due to scotoma, if that would result in a higher evaluation."

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 2026-05-17 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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