Diagnostic Code 6015 · 38 CFR §4.79
This code covers non-cancerous growths affecting the eye, orbit, or surrounding structures (excluding skin). Benign tumors in this area include orbital hemangiomas, dermoid cysts, meningiomas of the optic nerve sheath, and benign eyelid tumors. While not cancerous, these growths can still cause significant disability by compressing the optic nerve, displacing the eye, restricting eye movement, or requiring surgical removal that leaves lasting effects. Under the CFR, the VA separately evaluates visual and nonvisual impairment (such as disfigurement under DC 7800) and combines the evaluations. This means there are no fixed rating levels specific to this code; the rating depends entirely on the functional impairment caused.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | The VA does not assign a fixed rating under DC 6015 itself. Instead, it separately evaluates all visual impairment (under the visual acuity and visual field codes) and nonvisual impairment such as disfigurement (under DC 7800), then combines the evaluations. Your overall rating depends on the specific functional effects of the benign neoplasm. |
Imaging (MRI or CT of the orbit) showing the tumor location and size is essential. An ophthalmology examination documenting visual effects, surgical records if the tumor was removed, visual acuity and visual field testing, and documentation of any residual effects from the tumor or its treatment all strengthen your claim.
Yes. Benign does not mean harmless. Tumors in or around the eye can compress the optic nerve, displace the eye causing double vision, restrict eye movement, and cause disfigurement. All of these are ratable disabilities regardless of whether the growth is cancerous.
Some orbital tumors are in locations where surgical removal would cause more damage than leaving them in place. In these cases, the VA rates based on the ongoing functional impairment the tumor causes, plus any effects from monitoring procedures.