Diagnostic Code 6026 · 38 CFR §4.79
Optic neuropathy is damage to the optic nerve that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. It can result from traumatic brain injury, toxic exposures (including methanol and certain medications), ischemia (reduced blood flow), or demyelinating diseases. For veterans, TBI and toxic exposures during service are common causes. Symptoms include sudden or gradual vision loss, color vision changes, and visual field defects.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Mild optic nerve damage with minimal visual acuity or visual field impairment documented on testing. |
| 30% | Moderate visual acuity loss or visual field defect in one or both eyes due to optic nerve damage. |
| 60% | Severe visual acuity loss or significant visual field constriction in both eyes from optic neuropathy. |
| 100% | Blindness or near-total vision loss in both eyes from bilateral optic nerve damage. |
Visual acuity testing, visual field testing (Humphrey or Goldmann), OCT of the optic nerve showing thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer, color vision testing, VEP (visual evoked potential) testing, MRI showing optic nerve changes, and a nexus opinion connecting the optic neuropathy to service or a service-connected condition like TBI.
Yes. Traumatic optic neuropathy is a well-recognized consequence of head injuries. The optic nerve can be damaged by direct trauma, shearing forces, or swelling. If your TBI is service-connected, optic neuropathy can be claimed as secondary.
Yes. Exposure to toxic substances during service, including certain chemicals, medications, or environmental hazards, can damage the optic nerve. Document the exposure and obtain a medical opinion connecting it to your vision loss.
It depends on the cause. Traumatic optic neuropathy may stabilize after the initial injury but rarely improves. Some forms can be progressive. Document any worsening over time to support an increased rating claim.