Diagnostic Code 6064 · 38 CFR §4.79
DC 6064 covers complete blindness in one eye with no light perception — meaning the eye cannot detect even bright light shone directly into it. This is the deepest end of the monocular vision-loss spectrum. Veterans most often reach this point through combat trauma, blast injury, severe eye infection, retinal detachment that could not be repaired, end-stage glaucoma, or severe chemical or thermal burns. The remaining good eye carries the entire visual workload, which means the rating depends almost entirely on what the other eye can still do. Under 38 CFR §4.79, the rating climbs from 30% (when the better eye is normal) to 100% (when the better eye has also lost significant vision), and there is also a Special Monthly Compensation pathway at SMC(k) for anatomical loss of an eye.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | No light perception in the affected eye AND the better eye sees 20/40 or better (essentially normal vision in the remaining eye). |
| 40% | No light perception in the affected eye AND the better eye sees 20/50. |
| 50% | No light perception in the affected eye AND the better eye sees 20/70. |
| 60% | No light perception in the affected eye AND the better eye sees 20/100 — OR — anatomical loss of the blind eye with the better eye seeing 20/40 or better (the anatomical-loss bonus adds 10% across each tier). |
| 70% | No light perception in the affected eye AND the better eye sees 20/200. |
| 80% | No light perception in the affected eye AND the better eye sees 15/200 or worse, or anatomical loss with worsening tiers. |
| 90% | No light perception in the affected eye AND severe vision loss in the better eye — typically 10/200 or worse. |
| 100% | No light perception in the affected eye AND the better eye sees 5/200 or worse (the better eye is also functionally blind). At this level the veteran is considered totally disabled for vision under the schedule. |
A current ophthalmology examination establishing the absence of light perception in the blind eye is the anchor. Visual field testing (Humphrey or Goldmann perimetry) and best-corrected visual acuity measurement of the better eye drive the rating tier — without those, the rater has no way to place the case on the table. Imaging or surgical records that document the cause (combat injury, retinal detachment, infection, chemical or thermal burn) support service connection. If the eye has been surgically removed, the operative report and prosthesis records establish anatomical loss and unlock the additional rating step.
The VA rates vision loss by total functional impact, not by what each eye sees in isolation. A veteran with one blind eye and an otherwise normal better eye functions very differently from a veteran with one blind eye and severe vision loss in the better eye. The schedule reflects that difference — the worse the better eye gets, the higher the rating climbs, all the way to 100%.
Special Monthly Compensation under 38 USC 1114(k) is paid for anatomical loss or loss of use of certain body parts, including an eye. If the blind eye has been surgically removed or has shrunk to the point of non-function, SMC(k) is paid in addition to the schedular rating under DC 6064. It is not automatic — the claim has to specifically request it.
Yes. The rating is based on current vision in the better eye. If that eye develops cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or any other condition that reduces acuity or visual field, a request for increase is appropriate. Bring updated ophthalmology testing showing the current state of the better eye.